The Coopers' Company and Coborn School is synonymous with success; from the continuous academic achievements, to its outstanding young musicians, to its many sporting accolades, however no single event more so demonstrates the talent and commitment of these students than the annual school production. Calling these annual treats a 'school production' is in itself belittling, as what they achieve far exceeds the expectation of any conventional school play. Over the past 4 years I have witnessed some truly moving performances, from Ghetto that dealt tenderly with the harrowing topic of the holocaust, to the musicals Oliver! and Jesus Christ Superstar that again demonstrated not only the vocal talent and performance skills of these young actors but their ability to take on emotionally complex and dynamic characters. Last night, their newest production of Brassed Off was no exception to this remarkable high standard.

True to form, this play tackles issues that should be far beyond the reach of such young performers; when competing with acting legends such as Pete Postlethwaite you are not setting yourself an easy challenge, yet tackle them they did with sincerity and compassion. Their honest depiction of a small community struggling to come to terms with an uncertain future was highly emotive, with moments of crisis and indeed tragedy, balanced beautifully alongside great comedy and hope.

For me, what defined the play and this performance specifically, were the relationships between characters; husband and wife, father and son, friends and enemies. Relationship that although at times tempestuous they conveyed successfully a sense of love and unity keeping that binds them irrevocably together; there was a genuine bond felt on stage that as an audience you were completely enthralled by and felt a part of. These young actors delivered beautifully subtle performances that were emotionally rich and above all true. I felt the chemistry between 'the lads' and laughed along with them, I felt helpless and moved by Phil and his family in crisis, I felt equally torn by the innocent love between Andy and Gloria and I wanted to join the wives and fight for hope and a future. Each individual captured the heart of the audience and took them along on their own personal journey, with gutsy honesty and genuine sentiment. No more so than in Danny's final monologue, but true to the nature of Brassed Off even this poignant moment was juxtaposed with the perfectly timed comedy duo of the nurses; highlighting the old saying there are no small parts!

The brass band in this production were equally as sublime as the actors themselves, the sweet music that underpinned the action was a constant reminder of hope and struggle as it echoed eerily throughout the auditorium that was heightened by the traverse staging. This now trade mark dynamic use of space and powerful imagery throughout the production were a triumph in direction and were perfectly executed by a more than capable ensemble.

It could be argued I have a somewhat biased opinion when it comes to these productions being an Old Cooperian myself, however I challenge you to find any other production of Brassed Off, let alone a school version that compares. This company are a testament to the school, the staff who have so clearly inspired them and above all, themselves.

Lauren Jenkins (BA hons!!)