Wood's version of Michelle Magorian's Second World War novel ‘Back Home’ presents a returned evacuee, Rusty, reconnecting with her English family after five years in America. The play explores the challenge of getting back to ‘normal’ after huge social upheaval. Peggy (Rusty's mother) is struggling to revert to the traditional role of wife and mother having worked as a WVS car mechanic during the war. This leads to some beautifully drawn dialogue between Peggy and her husband Roger, recently returned from Burma, as she tries to accommodate his moods and expectations.
Rusty's open and friendly American values contrast with the stifling English traditions embodied by her Grandmother. This tension within the family grows and, as the relationship between mother and daughter develops, there is an interesting dynamic created. Their initial reunion is clipped and awkward. The stage directions are a good example of how to bring subtext to life.
The scenes between Roger and Peggy will generate debate about gender and teachers will need to explain the context, particularly in the powerful and disturbing scene in Act Two where Roger beats his young son Charlie. Roger is not a monster.
Ending on an optimistic note as the family find peace themselves, ‘Back Home’ is suitable for KS3 and successfully explores context and culture through engaging characterisation.