Springing into action

The hilly walk from Durham station to the city’s ancient heart is always worthwhile but this week the destination was the (newly renamed) Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre for DULOG’s(*) performance of Spring Awakening.

This is an early 21st century ‘coming of age’ rock musical based on the often-banned late 19th century German play by Frank Wedekind. It tackles some tough themes which the cast handled with both sensitivity and humour: it was a fantastic, all-round performance. But what also impressed me was the students’ commitment to supporting local charity Wear Valley Women’s Aid at every performance, recognising that the domestic abuse which is one of the musical’s harrowing themes is as much of an issue today as when the original play was written.

*Durham University Light Opera Group