MEMBERS of the Dartmoor-based MED Theatre?s youth group, Wild Nights Young Company, turned back the clock at Castle Drogo last week, as they performed The Children?s Castle. The promenade performance led the audience around the beautiful grounds of the castle as the story unfolded. Thunder rumbled and rain poured more than once, stopping the action for ten minutes or so, but despite the battle with the weather, the play was well-received by more than 150 friends, family and visitors. Created in partnership with the National Trust, The Children?s Castle was written and developed by young people and includes a short film that they created earlier in July. The play looked to the optimistic days of building Castle Drogo and to the tragic changes brought by the World Wars, seen through the eyes of children playing in the grounds of the last castle to be built in England. A spokesman for MED Theatre said: ?The production was a remarkable achievement for the young people involved. ?They had researched, written, directed and acted in both the play and a short film for the project. Earlier in the year, several workshops with professionals were organised and attended by the young people, and new members recruited to the project. ?Through these workshops, and the experience of planning and producing their own project, the group have developed a variety of new skills. ?The result was an entertaining, unique experience for all those brave enough to venture outdoors in the uncertain August weather and join the Wild Nights Young Company for their walk through the history of Castle Drogo ? congratulations to all involved, and thanks to all those who assisted with the project and came to see the performances.?
