by Raymond Briggs

17th-19th June 1993, The Drama Barn, University of York

Jim: Richard Coyle
Hilda: Helen Grey

Musicians: Ellie Mant ('cello), Kate Pearson (percussion)
Original Music by: Kate Pearson
Produced by: Anne Milan
Directed by: Benjamin Till

Based on the Raymond Briggs chilling cartoon, When the Wind Blows was Benjamin's second directing outing.  It was the first time he'd worked with actor, Richard Coyle, and the experience was extremely rewarding.

The production used an enormous number of stage hands, who had under 30 seconds to remove every single item of stage furniture, and replace it with a melted or char-grilled replica, to represent Jim and Hilda's cottage, pre- and post-nuclear attack.

Very late one Summer's night, the company decided to drive out to the Yorkshire moors, and rehearse the play on the market square in Helmsley, and in the terrifying surroundings of Riveaux Abbey.  

No one can remember why!