Boy, Arcola Theatre

To mark the centenary of WWI, the Arcola Theatre is staging Boy, a new production especially for younger audiences. It follows the thread of just one of the 16 million young men who lost their lives in battle. Fourteen-year-old Jack Cornwall is an Essex boy, who runs away to join the army against his father’s wishes. The show explores the honour, love and bravery that motivate Jack, along with the extraordinary experiences that are thrust upon this ordinary boy. 

An ideal duo is directing; Nick Connaughton of the Arcola and Tony Adigun of Avant Garde Dance Company both facilitate projects and work specifically for young performers. Connaughton is the man behind the Arcola’s Creative Engagement programme, which brings theatre into London schools. 

Tony Adigun, who will be co-directing and choreographing the show, has enriched the story with modern music and dance. He specialises in very atmospheric site-specific theatre (the last time he directed work in Dalston, it was set in an abandoned bunker.). We are expecting a strong strand of offbeat creativity running through this touching wartime tale.

The show is recommended for ages 8+