Theatre Trip to see Our Country’s Good at the Lyric Hammersmith, London – Account by Tamara, (Drama Scholar, Year 12)

On Tuesday, GCSE and A Level Drama students went to The Lyric Hammersmith to watch ‘Our Country’s Good’. This play was about multiple British convicts, with many different crimes, being moved to Australia to face their sentences. During their time in Australia, second lieutenant Ralph Clarke decides to put on a play to help the convicts. He believes this will make them ‘better, more educated people’ whilst making their time as prisoners a lot easier.

I found the show very interesting and funny, as it had comedic aspects that were juxtaposed with the convicts and lieutenants’ serious political beliefs; These were weaved throughout the play, making ‘Our Country’s Good’ feel balanced, and helping the audience to connect with every single character. To add to this, the use of Epic Theatre, (which emphasises the audience’s perspective and reaction to the piece), really emphasised the hard lives that these convicts had, and how they were so harshly punished. This gave me more knowledge and awareness of life in the 1800s and the disregard for anyone in the lower classes during this time. Also, as it was written in the 1980s, the play makes references more modern political beliefs, this reflects similar views to the 1800s. As this was Meta-theatre (a play within a play), my favourite part was when the convicts were rehearsing for their own play but none of them liked their roles. The quick and witty replies to each comment said made the comedy grow more and more until the whole audience was laughing. These funny moments provided me with comedic relief and gave me the time to really think about the deeper meanings when heavier topics were brought up.

I think theatre trips are very valuable because they are great fun! You get to watch a play with your friends and really enjoy the experience of going to the theatre. Secondly, I believe it is so important to have watched the play before you would refer to it in an exam. This is because the little details about physicality or vocals really help you to refine your answers, leading to a well thought out response. Lastly, there is so much you can learn from watching professional actors, from their facial expression to how they perform and deliver their lines can add so much knowledge to what you possess already. Understanding why actors choose to do something on a certain word can really improve your skills when it comes to future performances. I thought the play was brilliant and I had a wonderful time!