Hampton Hill Theatre, home of Teddington Theatre Club, welcomed students studying 'Our Country's Good' for A-Level Drama to a pre-show discussion about the play with director Matt Beresford and key crew members, before seeing the performance itself.

The students, from Esher Sixth Form College, had the opportunity to find out first-hand what it's like to design the set, curate the costumes, lighting and sound for Teddington Theatre Club's production of Timberlake Wertenbaker's hugely popular and influential drama.

It tells the story of a group of convicts and a young officer who rehearse and perform a play – Australia's first theatrical production. With opposition from the officers and a leading lady who may be hanged, the odds are stacked against them.

Head of Drama at Esher College, Jayne Taylor said: "It was fantastic for the students to see their A Level set text performed at a local theatre. The production lifted the narrative with clarity, sensitivity and humour.

"The multi-rolling was a particular strength of the company and emphasised the casts' versatility and creativity in characterising the different roles. Having the opportunity to hear how the production was put together and the decisions that were made was both interesting and valuable.

"A great evening of entertainment and education, once again celebrating the power of theatre."

Hampton Hill Theatre are inviting school groups to future discussions and encourage those interested to get in touch.

The theatre has a fantastic line-up of performances for audiences to choose from this summer, head to their website now to discover what's in store.

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