Raymond Briggs is probably most well known as the author of The Snowman, a cartoon story book for children and made into an animated film shown every Christmas on television. When the Wind Blows was a later cartoon book by the same writer. Not only was this developed into an animated film, but Briggs also turned it into a line action stage play, and it is this which can be seen at the Retford Little Theatre from 15th to 22nd March.
Written in 1986, it is the story is of an elderly couple who, in the later years of the Cold War, follow to the letter the government’s civil defence pamphlets such as Protect and Survive when a nuclear attack is announced.
The subject may seem a bit macabre, but the elderly couple’s simple innocence is treated with a gentle and affectionate humour. The Cold War is long over, but the play hasn’t dated at all. We can’t help smiling at Jim and Hilda’s trusting simplicity, even though the humour becomes blacker as their situation becomes more and more unsustainable. We may laugh, but the laughter makes us think of deeper things.
Tickets are available from 11th March. Call the Box Office between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, or email boxoffice@rlt.org.uk to reserve tickets.