A Poignant School Production Exploring the Trauma and Triumph of WWI Heroes
Following the senior school’s striking adaptation of Frankenstein and a stellar junior school production of Matilda, Frensham Heights School is thrilled to present this powerful new production.
Set in 1917 during the height of World War I, this adaptation of Pat Barker’s Booker Prize-winning novel Regeneration transports you to Craiglockhart War Hospital, where soldiers confront the haunting effects of battle and trauma. Join real-life figures like poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, guided by psychologist William Rivers, as they navigate the emotional struggles of war and forge unexpected bonds in crisis.
Three performances. Book your tickets now!
£7 student tickets / £10 adult tickets
Recommended 14+, but open to all at parents discretion
Our Cast.
The dedicated ensemble cast brings to life this gripping narrative, exploring both the psychological toll of warfare and the resilience of the human spirit in a production that combines raw storytelling with immersive physical movement.
Our Director.
Directed by Esalan Gates, a London-based theatre director and an alumnus of Frensham Heights, this production of Regeneration brings professional expertise to the school stage. Gates’ recent productions include the critically acclaimed Maybe I Should Stop?(Lion & Unicorn Theatre, 2024) and The Waiting Room (Camden People’s Theatre, 2024), both of which received five-star reviews. With an impressive portfolio that also includes Scared of Lonely (Golden Goose Theatre, 2024) and Violet’s System (Norwich Theatre Royal, 2023), Gates returns to guide students in this powerful exploration of World War I.
Educational & Emotional Impact
This poignant production not only honours history but also resonates with today’s discussions on mental health, trauma, and resilience. Coming just after Remembrance Day and with World War I as a key topic in the GCSE History and English syllabus, Regeneration provides a powerful educational experience for students, families, and history enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the personal stories behind WWI's grand historical narrative.