On the 28th, 29th and 30th July 2014 we took our brand new, original production ‘Home Fires’ to the beautiful and iconic venue Auckland Castle. The new show, written by company founder Paul D Flynn was a special performance put together to commemorate the beginning of the first World War.
The production had everything, song, dance, poetry and even some light hearted comedy, which was sensitively portrayed in a story about soldiers and the loved ones they left behind during the War.
It was not only another great performance opportunity for our students, but also a fantastic educational opportunity. Using our professional production experience together with our extensive knowledge in education we put together unique productions that inspire young people and raise their aspirations.
The powerful scenes, emotional songs and talented, believable characters proved too much for many of the audience as they were reduced to tears in Act 1. The tears were only to continue into Act 2 as the audience were led down to the fantastic Chapel. The beautiful, atmospheric setting provided a brilliant sound as our young people once again captured the hearts of everyone. We were delighted that some war veterans could attend the performances and take part in the production. There were many emotional and memorable scenes in Home Fires but one in particular that will stick clearly in everyone’s mind was when the veterans received a salute from our young soldiers as the production came to an end.
We were delighted to once again welcome some very special guests to our production including Mrs Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, Gerry Osborne, High Sheriff for County Durham, Rt Reverand Paul Butler, a host of County Councillors and war veterans.
We would like to thank staff at Auckland Castle and all of our guests for making this event so special. To view some photographs from the performance, please click here.
Some feedback from the production:
‘I was privileged to be in your audience on Tuesday evening. I was overwhelmed by the power and standard of your performance; you absolutely excelled in every respect. ‘Home Fires’ is a unique piece of work, beautifully crafted and you captured the passions and emotions of this sensitive subject superbly. We must never forget all those whose lives have been touched by the tragedy of war and conflict. To all involved in ‘Home Fires’ thank you for such a memorable evening, it is certainly one which I will never forget’
Mrs Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant, County Durham.
‘Just wanted to say thank you for another wonderful performance last night. As usual you were all fantastic it is always a pleasure to see you’
Councillor Amanda Hopgood
‘Congratulations to Enter CIC for an excellent, poignant and moving performance last night at Auckland Castle. Their Homes Fires productions was another amazing experience’
County Durham Community Foundation
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‘Having seen this for the second time, what an amazing and outstanding group of performers. The venue was fantastic and the whole story so powerful and emotive. Enter CIC you are amazing and deserve every credit you get. Thank you for helping us to remember’
Veteran
‘What a fantastic performance! I really hope to work with you all again in the near future. You are all welcome back to Auckland Castle at anytime!’
LJ, Auckland Castle
‘Absolute pleasure working with each and everyone of you. Such an amazing performance!’
RR, Auckland Castle
‘Been tonight to see Home Fires. What a superb set of young people the performance was exceptional.Their performance would not be out of place in the Royal Albert Hall in November.Congratulations all on a job well done and Thank you’
E.S
‘Another absolutely brilliant first class performance. Poignant, thought provoking and also full of fun. Well done everyone. Great work by tech guys too and all those behind the scenes’
G.P
‘Well done for a truly wonderful performance last night. I was blown away and you had my mum crying (again!). I was so impressed with how you tackled such emotional and sensitive scenes; and the songs and complicated harmonies were just spot on-really superb. I’m so incredibly proud of you all. Best of luck for your final performance’
C.M
‘It was a beautiful show! Your talents are incredible. A huge thank you to the hard work and dedication of the Enter CIC staff who work tirelessly to provide these amazing opportunities for these kids’
J.J.
‘To say it was moving is quite the understatement. A truly professional, powerful and emotion filled performance that had many in tears, myself included. The performers were superb, filled with passion and belief of the story and the tech crew spot on as always. Another Enter CIC triumph!’
P.W
‘Brilliant, most moving and amazing piece of theatre – real life brought home. We will remember you all and those who inspired you.’
J.M.R
‘Incredible! So moving! Such truthful performances; you should all be so proud’
C.M
‘Emotional, thought provoking. We Will Remember Them thanks to the fantastic Enter performance’
L.F
‘Brilliant performance. First time I’ve seen Enter perform. Fantastic x’
W.C
‘Words cannot express how proud we are of you.’
V.W. & C.A
‘Awe-inspiring.’
M. & D. C
‘Absolutely brilliant – great discipline, enthusiasm and music – just top class. Well done.’
R. & S.M
‘Very talented young people – they will go far in life.’
G.A
‘We have come to expect the best from Enter CIC and you have not disappointed. Thank you all for a wonderful night.’
A.N
‘Fantastic! loved it. Such talent. Well done.
J.G
‘Exceptional performance. Well done!’
L.T
‘Inspirational’
M.C
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