What surprised me most was how funny this was. I’d expected something, I don’t know, heavier?

East Anglian Daily Times: Red Rose Chain Youth Theatre present Dread Zeppelin! Picture: DAVID NEWBORNRed Rose Chain Youth Theatre present Dread Zeppelin! Picture: DAVID NEWBORN (Image: David Newborn)

It’s 1915 and Britain’s at war with Germany. When a zeppelin crashes nearby, it sets off a chain of unexpected events.

Researched by historian Mandy Rawlins, cleverly devised by the cast, pulled together by Joanna Carrick and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund; the story flowed well, never feeling fragmented. Each of the different character strands standing up on their own.

To see how they come together you’ll have to see the show. Let’s just say never has a picnic caused so much trouble.

Each of the 26 performers got their moment to shine and there was some amazing range shown as the play touched on the pathos of life during wartime - prejudice, morality, loss, hardship...

East Anglian Daily Times: Red Rose Chain Youth Theatre present Dread Zeppelin! Picture: DAVID NEWBORNRed Rose Chain Youth Theatre present Dread Zeppelin! Picture: DAVID NEWBORN (Image: David Newborn)

Ella Bedford as Matron got the lion’s share of the laughs, deservedly so; and the introduction of Rei Mordue’s MI5 agent was fun and nicely choreographed.

The show’s overall look and feel complemented the story perfectly and it’s always nice to learn a little more about the area you live in. Well worth seeing.

East Anglian Daily Times: Red Rose Chain Youth Theatre present Dread Zeppelin! Picture: DAVID NEWBORNRed Rose Chain Youth Theatre present Dread Zeppelin! Picture: DAVID NEWBORN (Image: David Newborn)