As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of watching Clevedon School’s Youth Theatre production of One Evacuee, performed at The Tobacco Factory Theatres on Wednesday 4th June 2025. Directed with great creativity by Debbie Morgan, with musical direction by Katy Read and choreography by pupil Elodie, this ensemble-led production was a powerful and moving musical that both challenged and engaged its audience.
Clevedon School had the distinction of performing the debut of Mark Wheeller’s revised version of One Evacuee, featuring music by composer Jack Simmonds. Given that Wheeller’s plays have consistently ranked among the top three most popular Edexcel GCSE Drama texts since 2003, this was an exciting and significant undertaking. The musical tells the story of Jean Eagle, a child evacuee during World War II, drawing on the memories of Wheeller’s mother alongside the voices of three other evacuees. Through these interwoven narratives, the musical sensitively explores themes of separation, the emotional toll of war, the weight of parental decision-making during war, and the upheaval of being sent away to live with strangers.
The staging was inventive and highly effective. Performed on a thrust stage with a black back wall and floor, the use of draped white fabric suggested tunnels for the shelter scenes. The cast created scenery using headboards, trunks and blankets to represent beds, and curtain rods, fabric and wooden planks to create window sills, evoking wartime frugality in an imaginative and artistic way. This approach was particularly effective during the reprise of “Air Raid Lullaby”. The directorial decision to have narrators observe and frame the action at times worked extremely well, reinforcing the sense of memory and reflection that runs throughout the piece. The musical’s style echoed 1930s music hall cabaret, which was reflected in both its structure and performance style.
The show opened with a cheerful and well-coordinated ensemble number from the evacuee children, complete with suitcase-accompanied choreography that set the tone beautifully. The ensemble work of Clevedon Youth Theatre brought energy and enthusiasm to the production. Musically, the production was rich with standout moments. “Sweeping for Victory”, performed by the mop ladies in the shelter, was a delight, featuring playful choreography and strong ensemble harmonies. The energetic opening of Act Two with “Bang Bang Rat-a-tat” immediately re-engaged the audience, while “Country Holiday”, depicting the train journey, showcased impressive synchronisation and enthusiastic vocal delivery from the ensemble.
One Evacuee has a large ensemble cast, and there were many wonderful performances from this talented company. Xanthe delivered a compelling performance in the leading role of Jean. Her portrayal of Jean’s grouchy teenage exchanges with her father was entirely believable, capturing the indignation and emotional volatility of adolescence with confidence and clarity. Vocally, her Act Two solo “Why Can’t I Stay?” was a standout moment: a challenging song performed alone on stage, requiring emotional honesty and vocal control, both of which she conveyed effectively.
Jean’s parents, Ruby and George Eagle, were portrayed with assured physicality and confident vocal delivery by Amy and James, convincingly capturing adult characters through clear mannerisms. Amy’s rendition of “Air Raid Lullaby”, supported by the ensemble, was a particular vocal highlight. For James, in Mr Eagle’s role as the Air Raid Warden, “Black Out Your Winders” was an especially memorable ensemble number. Jean’s brother Michael was portrayed with lively teenage intensity by Jude. The role of Susan, Jean’s friend, was delivered with strong comic flair by Chloe, capturing the cheeky spirit of the character and providing moments of lightness within the story. The complexity and turmoil within the Johnson household was effectively conveyed by Baxter, Esther and Max as Major Johnson, Mrs Johnson and Harry Johnson. The Reids were played with deep sensitivity and maturity by Jimi and Ellie, particularly in the scene where they learned the news of Jeanie’s mother’s death, and again when Jeanie’s dad arrived to visit, adding depth, feeling and warmth to the narrative. Their daughter, Doreen Reid, was played with suitable charm by Lizzie.
The four narrative voices were a particular strength of this production. Oliver took on the role of Mark Wheeller, skilfully embodying an adult narrator reflecting on his mother’s wartime memories. Through thoughtful physicality and assured stage presence, Oliver convincingly portrayed a character well beyond his own years. Isaac brought great energy and comic timing to Derek, one of the other evacuee voices. His confident Cockney accent and natural delivery gave the role authenticity and charm. His monologues were particularly engaging, feeling natural and authentic, a real highlight of this production. This is an actor with real promise. Peggy and Linda, played by Millie and Lottie respectively, brought lyrical vocal quality to the production. Millie’s beautiful voice shone in reprises of “Air Raid Lullaby”, which were delivered with sensitivity and control, marking her out as a performer with real talent and potential. The quartet of narrators shone when together too, particularly in each reprise of “One Evacuee’” Their characterisation of distinct narrative figures was effectively delivered, and Oliver and Millie’s delivery of their numerous duets were another highlight, particularly “Nostalgic Recollections”.
Ultimately, One Evacuee carries a powerful message that resonates strongly in today’s world. It is a story of family, love, friendship, loss and grief, but also a challenge to the way we romanticise the past and the memories we choose to hold on to. Clevedon School’s Youth Theatre should be commended for delivering a thoughtful, moving and ambitious production that honoured both the historical material and its contemporary relevance.
