Musicals in theory can be about any subject possible, but in practice, there are few examples that are very surprising. However, The Children’s Inquiry by LUNG (a national touring, verbatim theatre company) is very much a leftfield choice. Chronicling the history of children in care in Britain, this musical is told through the experiences of four teenagers.

As a verbatim piece of theatre, not only have children in care been canvassed, so have those on the ‘other side of the coin’ too, such as social workers. But to put this into context, there is a lot of history included too. Dating back to 1896 when the deeds of Amelia Dyer caused a public outcry, it was first time that a children’s inquiry was held (despite children being used as a labour force during the Industrial Revolution and in workhouses). Sadly, as the show reminds us time and time again, the only time progress is made with the protection of children, is when history repeats itself – when another child has died under appaling circumstances and the resulting public outcry pushes politicians to make the ‘right noises’ regarding ‘affirmative action’…

The parts of the show that cover the past 50+ years are replete with aural reminders of each decade. Adverts denoting the dangers to children and the wider public go hand-in-hand with familiar politicians, whose words ring hollow in the 21st century – the modern audience knowing the lasting ‘legacy’ of their policies. But it is the examples from very recently (such as Baby P) that really hit home and remind us that a) children are perenially in danger, as society isn’t any more civilised than it was during the Industrial Revolution and b) the sense of apathy from the State regarding long-term care of children is exactly like the Victorians.

Returning to the aforementioned real four teenagers whose personal experiences shaped the show, we’re reminded of how devastating it is for families to be split apart and siblings to be sent to separate care homes. Other 21st century situations that are also addressed include adolescents on the cusp of adulthood travelling to the UK without family or a support network, or adolescents alone in the UK because their parents have been deported to their country of origin.

In creating a show like this, Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead – the Co-Artistic Directors of LUNG – plus Owen Crouch and Clementine Douglas who created the music, have made something truly special. Not only are the music and lyrics top notch, the ideas and issues the show engenders have more substance than many shows in either the West End or ‘fringe’.

© Michael Davis 2024

The Children’s Inquiry runs at Southwark Playhouse: Elephant until 3rd August