FRENSHAM Heights students and staff paid a remarkable tribute to the heritage of the school’s main building as a First World War military hospital through this year’s annual school production.

Conceived and directed by Amanda Liddle and Sean Connor, The House on Heaven’s Hill saw all the main rooms of the building – the drawing room, ballroom, billiard room and long gallery – resurrected as the wards and operating theatre they were 100 years ago.

The play was a huge undertaking, involving every student researching characters and developing their own back stories before devising scenes that accurately reflected people who might have visited, worked or been treated here between 1914 and 1918.

In total, 51 students, staff and parents were involved in the production either as actors or behind the scenes. They worked closely with four residents from the Bells Piece Leonard Cheshire Disability home – with Thomas, Justin and Robin all playing injured servicemen and Wendy taking on the role of a VAD nurse.

The school also worked closely with Frensham and Dockenfield Local History Group, The Rural Life Centre and The Trench Experience, all of whom shared their valuable knowledge and, in some cases, lent valuable artefacts from the period.

One of the scenes, recreating the operating theatre in what was the house’s billiard room, was written by Strangeface Theatre, which specialises in mask and puppet theatre.

The scene which, like all the others, had to be performed five times per performance, involved a dramatic mix of students, puppetry and original film.

“This was a hugely ambitious project requiring authenticity, creativity, historical accuracy and respect,” said headmaster Andrew Fisher.

“That it was an extraordinarily atmospheric and deeply moving production speaks volumes for our students, some as young as 11. I was very proud indeed.”

Audience members were also enthused by the performances, with one hailing the production as “a wonderfully creative, intelligent and moving piece of theatre”, adding “the atmosphere and authenticity created in Main House were just stunning!”

Another said: “I have to say how fantastic the performance was on Saturday! It was wonderful to be made part of it, absorbing us into the story. It made for a very thought provoking and captivating performance, making us realise even more what a traumatic time it must have been.

“Well done to all involved in transferring us into a different era of the school.”

And a third added after the show: “I just wanted to drop you a line to say huge congratulations on another successful production.  It was a very moving experience. You really are amazing how you pull it all together.”