Frensham Heights School's recent production of Regeneration, based on Pat Barker's acclaimed novel, has been hailed as a triumph.

The play, with three performances at the Aldridge Theatre, was praised for exceptional production values, powerful performances and profound exploration of the psychological impact of war.

Set in 1917, it transports audiences to Craiglockhart War Hospital, where soldiers grapple with the horrors of the battlefield.

The production features iconic figures like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon undergoing treatment under enigmatic psychologist William Rivers.

The production was lauded for meticulous attention to detail in costumes, props and set design. The young cast delivered outstanding, mature performances, bringing to life the complex characters and their emotional struggles. The seamless transitions between scenes, aided by impressive lighting and sound design, further enhanced the immersive experience.

The play's exploration of themes such as trauma, mental health and the power of the human spirit has resonated deeply with audiences. Regeneration served as a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding and the courage to speak out against injustice.

Directed by Esalan Gates, a London theatre director and an alumnus of Frensham Heights, this production brought professional expertise to the school stage.

The school was founded in 1925, only seven years after the main house was used as a hospital during the First World War. Founded by three women in the wake of war, Frensham Heights remains committed to the founding ethos - a school and a community based on mutual respect, tolerance and generosity of spirit.

Frensham Heights head Ben McCarey said: “Given the fact that this play was so pertinent to the history of the school, who better to bring the production to stage than an Old Frenshamian.”