A HAUNTING and thought-provoking evening is in store for anyone taking in the Octagon's latest production.

Kindertransport is not the sort of play that you enjoy exactly. Admittedly there are many enjoyable moments and some scenes of great levity. But this is ultimately a play to make you think and to question.

It very cleverly interweaves the present with the days preceding the Second World War.

A young Jewish girl is put on a train to England by her mother to escape the rise of the Nazis.

But the adult Evelyn is forced to face up to her past when her own daughter is ready to leave home for the first time and discovers a bundle of letters in the attic revealing a hitherto secret part of her life.

Claire Redcliffe is heart-warmingly convincing as the displaced youngster left scarred by the upheaval around her.

The modern day Evelyn, Emmerdale's Janice McKenzie, is effectively vulnerable as the emotionally scarred woman trying to keep her inner demons under control.

There are fine performances too from Octagon regulars Ann Rye as the warm hearted Lil who takes in the young refugee and brings her up as her own daughter and Anna Northam as the Jewish mother faced with the agonising choice of giving up her child in order to save her life.

Where Kindertransport is most effective is in the brilliant choreography of the piece as the two time periods unfold with almost balletic grace.

Don't go if you are looking for a few laughs and a jolly night out.

But do go if you enjoy powerful, challenging theatre that is excellently staged.

Until Saturday, May 22. Details from the box office on 01204 520661.

JOHN ANSON