The plot of this production revolves around Eva, a young Jewish refugee from pre-war Germany, who was given safe passage to the UK under a programme introduced by the government at the time.

All the action takes place in Eva’s home back in war torn Germany and in the attic of her 1980’s Manchester on a split set, designed by the talented all-rounder Andrea Spencer.

It was a bold decision to undertake this play, which was only written in 2009, but as per, the KBDG came through it well. There are deep waters afoot when Eva, who in the ‘80’s is now known as Evelyn, discovers her daughter has found the evidence of her early years and is not best pleased.

(About this time a mobile phone goes off in the audience and the lady seems to have a problem turning it off, there’s always one despite numerous reminders pinned round the hall to turn off your phone. You couldn’t make it up) I digress.

Directed by Kate Belcher ‘Kindertransport’ did start slow, but in fairness this was the first night of the run so nerves come into play. This was emphasised by the prompts given to the usually word-perfect Paula Eastwood as the grown up Eva. Apart from that Paula played her part well, coping with the discovery of her secret by her adolescent and feisty daughter Faith admirably portrayed by Bryony Harding.

Sarah Curran convinced us she was Helga, Eva’s birth mother, starting the play as a typical middle-class Jewish mother sending her daughter away with her valuables hidden in Eva’s shoes, and ending as a crone, a shell of her former self as the ravages of war have taken the toll including the loss of her husband in a Concentration Camp.

Eva comes to the UK to live with Lil and the relationship between the women in the play is examined in depth as Eva skips her English lessons to go and ask round the local big houses if they will give her parents jobs so they too can come to England. Lil doesn’t like this at all. Eva is unhappy and misses her mother. But Eva and Lil both eventually become at peace with one another as Eva is shown steadily losing her Jewish roots.

Andrea Spencer as Lil was up to her usual high standard and played the part of the grandmother to Faith as well as she portrayed one of the high-kicking dancers in ‘Stepping Out’ her first outing with the Group all those years ago. Time marches on.

Now, a star is born in this production of Kindertransport in the guise of 14-year old Ruby Belcher as the young Eva. The part she took on was huge by any standards, but for a young girl to tackle it as successfully as she did took both talent and courage. I am told prior to this play Ruby had only had small parts in school plays, but you would never have known as she seemed word perfect and confident in what is a very demanding role. No doubt we will be hearing more of the young Ruby, a jewel in the Group if there ever was one. (Pun intended).

Four other small parts in the piece were all played by Rob Bateman. Unfortunately all four characters had their arm in a sling as Rob had damaged his arm badly. Such are the perils of am dram where there are no understudies.

I have to admit I couldn’t grasp the coming and goings of one of Rob’s parts, the Ratcatcher, as he cruised around the stage under a black cloak ignored by the cast and doubling as a scene shifter. Perhaps it’s me.