This week, Portsmouth High School students delivered a powerful production of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Our Country’s Good. Over two evenings, audiences were transported to Australia in 1788, where the First Fleet arrived on a sun‑scorched shore carrying the so‑called “refuse” of Georgian England. Set within a harsh penal colony shaped by deprivation and extreme punishment, the play explores resilience, humanity, and the transformative force of creativity.
Director Mrs Wood explained:
‘Upon arrival, the convict colony quickly descends into disorder because of deprivation and the abuse that many of the prisoners suffered at the hands of the officers and, indeed, their peers. Governor Arthur Phillip took decisive action and tasked some of his staff with cultural projects that would unite the convicts and help them to rediscover and recognise their own humanity.’
Farah, who played Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark, said:
‘I’m an A Level Drama student and it has been incredible to study this play as it is a set text. I have enjoyed learning how Ralph, my character, recognises the redemptive power of the theatre. Ralph starts off dismissing all the convicts from the First Fleet, but as time goes on he learns to recognise them as human beings.’
Libby, who portrayed the convict Liz Morden, commented:
‘My character Liz can’t read or write. She is very angry and has escaped a horrible life in England but has been totally saved in the play.’
Mrs Wood concluded by praising the cast and crew:
‘Wertenbaker shines a spotlight on the transformative powers of the theatre, and the ways in which it brings people together, builds confidence, and makes you understand something new, both about ourselves and the human experience. We have tremendous dramatic talent at Portsmouth High School. Working with such an engaged, enthused, and insightful cast and crew has been a privilege and an utter delight.’
