Review: INTO BATTLE, Greenwich Theatre (Online)

Balliol College, Oxford, 1910.  Rifts are appearing between the ‘have’ and ‘have-nots’, as the feud becomes both increasingly personalised and dangerous.  There are those who have social influence and wealth against those who are dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and the hungry on Oxford’s back streets.  Is there not a far greater adversary that calls for them to put bitter differences aside to face the common enemy?

Based on a true story, Into Battle unearths how the political and social divides happening in Britain were reflected in a younger generation at Balliol College, Oxford.  Directed by Ellie Jones, the focus is brought to the actions and attitudes of the aristocrats.  How the majority of the privileged were more focused on their own lives and personal feuds than using their positions to help those in need.

The relationships between characters are strong and both the set design (by Ellen Cairns) and the lighting (by Alexandra Stafford) work perfectly to create the atmosphere and tone for this piece.

It’s one for the historians among us. The story is interesting and informative and sheds light on the divides between social status even on the brink of war.

A remarkable and intellectual production.

**** Four Stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Into Battle is available to stream here until 31 January 2022.