| 11 August 2010
Any play that can make a ploughing contest dramatic and entertaining to children has to be something special. Michael Morpurgo's Farm Boy is an engaging sequel to his most popular work War Horse. The success of that novel, recently seen on stage at the National Theatre in London and soon to be made into a movie directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, does at times overshadow the simpler intentions of this production. However Farm Boy is not without its charms. Both actors playing the central characters perform their roles well. Centre stage throughout the production is a third member of the cast, an antique Fordson tractor, which is cleverly used to highlight changes in farming traditions and the importance of the land.
The usual Morpurgo themes of war, family and nature are explored. Children in the audience will find much to interest them as the elderly grandfather struggles to learn to read, eventually being taught by his grandson. The play asks us the questions: why are stories important? Do the younger generation have a responsibility to honour their family heritage?
It’s brave in any children's play to explore the consequences of illiteracy and old age. Death, however, does not linger long. The play ends on a warmly positive note. Older children and adults alike should enjoy this moving exploration of family history.
Assembly@George St, 5-30 Aug (not 17), 11.45am
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