MCS is to launch a new eight-part radio drama, created remotely during the Covid19 lockdown.

When We Meet Again is an original play researched, written, performed and produced by MCS pupils and staff. Drawing inspiration from original accounts – including those in the MCS archives and teacher Mr David Bebbington’s Goodbye Shirley – it draws on the striking parallels between the ‘Phoney War’ period from September 1939-May 1940 and our current circumstances amid the Covid19 lockdown – a period of waiting, with movement curtailed, foodstuffs disappearing from the shelves and normal life disrupted.

Head of Drama, Mr Thomas said:

“The Drama Department was very sad to have to cancel or postpone a number of productions which would have taken place this term or at the end of last term. We wanted to give the pupils something to work towards as a creative project during the lockdown, so came up with the idea of a radio play.

When everyone was glued to their TVs and radios before Easter to hear the latest government bulletins, I was really struck by the parallels with the ‘Phoney War’ period at the start of WWII, when everyone’s lives were changed but there was no immediate danger for most people. There must have been an odd sense of ‘life on hold’, as today. So this radio series was born, and we’ve tried to use our links with other parts of the school and wider community to make it reflect a wide range of experiences.

 

"I was really struck by the parallels with the 'Phoney War' period at the start of WWII, when everyone's lives were changed but there was no immediate danger for most people. There must have been an odd sense of 'life on hold', as today. So this radio series was born"

Mr Thomas, Head of Drama

As well as drawing on the school archives and David Bebbington’s lovely book ‘Goodbye to Shirley’ we’ve been in touch with the Soldiers of Oxfordshire museum and tapped into Oxford Playhouse’s community links.

The pupils have risen to the challenge with their usual gusto, whether as historical researchers, script-writers, actors, composers or sound technicians, and we’re really excited about how it’s all come together. The work continues, with episode 3 currently in production, but for now we hope you enjoy the show!” 

"The pupils have risen to the challenge with their usual gusto, whether as historical researchers, script-writers, actors, composers or sound technicians"

Mr Thomas, Head of Drama

Episodes will be available every Friday, launching with the first instalment ‘Home’ on Friday 8th May to mark VE Day.

You can listen to an exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ episode here:

 

For the latest episodes and to find out more about the project, head to the play’s dedicated page:

All Episodes