Journey's End, Wimborne Drama, Tivoli Theatre

RC SHERRIFF wrote of his own experiences at Passchendaele during the First World War, so he as truly writing from the heart - and it showed.

So although during this production, performed in association with Wimborne British Legion, there were occasions when some of the cast spoke so quickly as to be unintelligible, and the offstage sounds of battle also drowned out speech, I can hardly think of a time when I have been so moved by a play, nor seen one so horrifyingly true to life.

We were almost there in the dug-out with the officers as battle raged above them, thanks to a brilliant set, marvellous lighting, authentic uniforms and props and some outstanding performances, especially from Stuart Glossop (Lieutenant Osborne), Greg Verver (2nd Lieutenant Raleigh), Nick Grey (Captain Stanhope), Tony Feltham (2nd Lieutenant Trotter) and, bringing a very necessary touch of humour, Graham Hawkins (Private Mason).

The final scene was shockingly moving. As the house lights came up the entire audience continued to sit in stunned silence at the thought that what we had witnessed was once played out for real - and indeed continues to do so in other forms.