TIMBERALKE Wertenbaker's acclaimed play, a powerful and moving story of the first convict colony in Australia in 1788, was a brave choice by the Everyman Youth Theatre.

After the opening scenes on Friday it looked as though the company had bitten off substantially more than it could chew as lines from the young players were smothered by sound effects and incorrectly held muskets gave away the lack of technical rehearsal or expert advice.

Yet as the play progressed and the players found their feet, this moving parable of crime and punishment and the civilising effects of theatre was presented with pace, pathos and no little skill.

There were many performances to admire but one in particular stood out as moving, truthful and disturbing. Dave Moxham as the doomed Midshipman Harry Brewer brought an intensity and edge to the role which may well help him to achieve his stated ambition of a career in the theatre.

Anwen Ashworth gave dignity and strength to the role of the convict Liz Morden, and Sophie Andrews brought a light and assured touch to the role of the sassy Dabby Bryant.

REVIEW BY STEVE EVANS