"The remarkable efforts of 25 aspiring youth actors are set to astound audiences at the Caxton Theatre next week. The youngsters have spent three weeks of their summer holidays in daytime rehearsals to recreate the Greek play Antigone.

Having enjoyed a rehearsal preview, I can assure everyone that this production is not like anything you might expect. The high standard of the individuals, the discipline of the ensemble pieces and the overall emotional narrative are there in force - and the performance really raises the hairs on your neck.

The story traces events following the deaths of Polyneices and Eteocles, two brothers leading opposite sides in Thebes' civil war. Kreon, new ruler of Thebes, has declared that Eteocles will be honoured and Polyneices disgraced. The rebel brother's body will lay unburied to be the food of dogs and vultures. Antigone and Ismene are the sisters of the dead brothers, and they are now the last children of the ill-fated Oedipus. Antigone wants to bury Polyneices' body but Ismene refuses to help her and is unable to dissuade Antigone from doing the deed by herself. Kreon, in turn, imprisons Antigone - and the story follows her fight against the state alongside Kreon's struggle to maintain power.

Playing the roles of sisters Antigone and Ismene are Caxton newcomers Samantha and Sylvia Hunter who, in real life, are actually twin sisters. Both 17, they have just finished at Cleethorpes Sixth Form. The role of Kreon is played by regular Caxton actor Chris Nicholl, who has just returned from performing at London's National Theatre with Lindsey School.

To attempt such a daunting project as the performance of a Greek tragedy speaks volumes for the Caxton Youth Theatre. Antigone - a Greek tragedy Caxton Youth Theatre Summer School. With their inherent talent and the addition of several new actors from public auditions they have, nevertheless, come up with a piece that is innovative and dramatic. The story is set in Thebes, following a Theban civil war battle in which the two sons of Oedipus are killed. The brothers fought on opposite sides and victorious King Kreon declares one dead brother to be a traitor, whose body must not be buried, and the other a hero. Enter the daughters of Oedipus, one of whom, Antigone, ignores the King's demand and buries the body of her brother. Now she must face Kreon's wrath, while around him the war escalates and his public status diminishes.

The performance is played in the round with a central block of wood as a stage. A cast of 21 players, dramatically clad in black gowns and white masks, become the lead actors and the village elders. They portray a powerful tale which, although wordy, is nevertheless enthralling. The ensemble pieces really stir the emotions when done well and there are some quite excellent solos of merit. Chris Nicholl as Kreon brings power and dynamism to the role and is hugely watchable, as are Sam and Sylvia Hunter, playing twin sisters Antigone and Ismene respectively. I also enjoyed Danny McCallum, as the guard, for his confidant and strong delivery. Young Tom Finch played well beyond his years as Haman, the son of Kreon, showing just the right balance of aggression and timidity.

Emma Nicholson and Scott Middleton have done an excellent job to bring this performance to the stage and it must herald a new standard for the capabilities of the fine youth actors in our region."
- David Peasgood