GUNPOWDER and treason were re-enacted on a school stage.

Four centuries after the failed bid to blow up the Houses of Parliament, senior pupils at Bow School, Durham, staged 1605 and All That, their version of the Gunpowder Plot.

Described as, "an explosive interpretation" of the events at Westminster in the early 17th Century, at a time of religious intolerance, it has more topical resonance following recent events in Northern Ireland.

The cast of nine to 12-year-olds presented notable performances by some of the principal cast members, including Benedick Cronin (Guy Fawkes), and Mark Dawson (Lord Robert), both aged 12.

Deputy headmaster Dennis Pugh, the producer and director, said: "I would like to thank all the staff and parents for their support and help with rehearsals and costumes.

"The cast all had a lot of fun getting ready for the production and looked forward to putting on two explosive performances."

this week."

Opening night, on Tuesday (MAY 16), was greeted with warm applause from a full house made up of parents, families and friends.

The second and final performance is at nearby Durham School's Luce Theatre, in Quarryheads Lane, tonight (THUR MAY 18), at 7pm.

Further information is available from Bow School, on 0191-384 8233.