Here's what teachers have had to say about "The Thompsons' War"...

"Many thanks - a well written and performed piece about home life during WW2."

  Peter Brackenbury, Weelsby Primary School

"Excellent. Good mix of live action and children's interaction. Good acting - had the kids glued. Children as focussed as they have ever been. Connection between actots and children almost perfect. Appreciated humour and were moved by drama. Wonderful learning for History and Literacy.

The workshop was, again, excellent. Well structured, inspirational, produced some great work from the children. Thank you!"

  Sam Chapman, Leechpool Primary

"The Hobgoblin Theatre Company is better than any school trip. They were very good at getting history to you in a funny way."

  Robert Bristow, aged 11

"It covered key aspects that had already been taught and was a good summary of work already covered. The acting was very professional and engaged the children. We liked the simple stage set and the children being in a close proximity to characters. The cast were enthusiastic and convincing in portraying different roles. They arrived early and were ready for a prompt start."

  Sue Hostler, Coombe Hill Junior

"The Hobgoblin Theatre Company is a brilliant way to learn and as well as it being educational it is funny and you get a lot more information through drama."

  Sophie Fleming, aged 11

"Engaged children's interest very quickly and maintained their interest throughout. Wartime London represented through a great story with believable characters, brilliant voices and a school girl narrator.

Pitched at an appropriate level and relevant to the curriculum; rationing, evacuation, blackouts, air-raids and social issues all covered well. Thoroughly enjoyable, thank you."

  Year 6 Class Teachers, St Lawrence Junior School

"The children really enjoyed 'The Thompsons' War'. They were engaged throughout and the performance really helped to bring WWII alive for them. I thought the way the play was stopped at various points to give children a chance to share ideas etc was particularly good ."

  Sara Cornell, Wentworth Primary School

"A fantastic play. It brought WWII to the children's level as they saw it through children's eyes. I also think stopping and brainstorming is a great idea. It kept the children completely focused. The plot was easy to follow and provided many poignant moments."

  Debbie Edwards, Nutfield Church School

"The Thompsons' War was excellent! It covered all the main aspects of our WWII topic in an interesting, informative and engaging way. The interactive format really got the children thinking and helped them get the most out of the curriculum-rich and relevant content."

  Jonathan Bramley, All Saints' CE Primary School

"Children thought play very good and interesting. Well organised, clear instructions for children. Super. Workshop helped children to understand emootions of people in war. Great."

  Sheila Dunk, Borden Primary School

"Clever use of cast for different characters. Good cast presence. Impressed by the amount of historical detail. Year 5 picked up on use of idioms too! No criticism at all. The children loved the workshops."

  Kate Galloway, Ripley Court School

"Your show was well planned and organised and delivered at a perfect pitch for the children. The staff liked how you stopped after each scene to discuss what had happened - it kept the children more engaged
We all loved the workshop hour!"

  Rachel Griffith, Harwich Community Primary School

"Our Year 3s loved the show 'Thompson's War' which really brought alive everything they had learned about World War II. Every child was completely engaged with the show, and the parts where they went into groups with 'their' actor to reinforce the learning worked so well. The show covered every area that we had planned for and a little bit more - we particularly liked the way Hobgoblin addressed predjudice against the German people (as opposed to the Nazis) and this generated very valuable discussion. The children also thoroughly enjoyed the drama workshop where they had to 'sculpt' each other. Altogether a brilliant performance, excellent workshop and good management of a large year group - thank you again!"

  Kasia Watson, Durrington First School

"Having studied World War Two in some detail our Year 4 children have learnt about many aspects of life in the Second World War but the characters, setting and atmosphere created in 'The Thompsons' War' really helped bring the history to life.
The drama workshop complemented the content of the play well too. The children were guided through activities that allowed them to express their own ideas and responses. The actors engaged the children throughout, helping them to focus and get the most out of every part of the session."

  Jonathan Bramley, All Saints C of E Primary School