Review by Josie Morris: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in "Cider with Rosie" - for Thornbury Arts Festival.

LAURIE Lee's classic autobiographical novel, set between the wars in the small, rural Gloucestershire village of Slad, was brought to Thornbury Arts festival for one night only by 11 second-year drama students from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Directed by Christopher Scott, the actors, playing 36 roles, produced a largely engaging ensemble piece interspersed with popular songs from the period. With a number of rustic props, a cart and a rocking chair, the cast managed to create the atmosphere of a seasonal rural setting inhabited by a broad range of characters.

The episodic narrative ranged from the tragically violent mugging of a New Zealander to Uncle Sid's endless comic, mock-suicide attempts, and from a heart-warming, naturalistic depiction of a mother/son relationship to a stylized, surreal feverish sequence.

Laurie Lee the narrator, played by Oliver Hollis, gave the narrative a mesmeric quality with his rich, resonant tones whilst his alter ego, the boy Loll, played by James Rastall, physically dominated the stage with his childlike persona and fresh responses to life around him.

This quintessential depiction of rural family life is a pleasure to watch for both those who recall a life not so far removed from Lee's pastoral tales to an audience being entertained by a slower, more caring communal era.

The play is now on tour; and will visit the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, on Thursday, June 26 and The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Hereford, on Wednesday, July 2.