PUPILS are taking to the stage with their version of the story of a Greek king returning home after a long war.

Boys at Bow School, Durham, will perform the story of Odysseus in One More Journey, at Durham School's Luce Theatre tonight and on Thursday, at 7pm.

The production is about Odysseus, King of Ithaca, who returns home after 20 years away, including ten years in support of the war against the Trojans, which ended with the fall of Troy thanks to a wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers.

Deputy headteacher Dennis Pugh, the director, said: "While it is a very ambitious play and one that demands a great deal of concentration on the part of the main actors, the boys have responded admirably to the pressure.

"The cast discussed adapting the play to a contemporary and comic version, but agreed unanimously on the more traditional and serious approach.

"The play explores the complex mixed emotions of a man returning home after twenty years away from his country and his family.

"This is Odysseus's greatest journey - the one to find himself, his place in the society he once knew and ruled, and his place in the family he still loves but feels he has neglected."

The music has been written, and will be performed, by teachers Helen Ketteridge, the school's head of music, and Mary Tyers.

Tickets cost £4 for adults and £2 for children and are available from the school on 0191-384 8233.

Published: 11/05/2004