Bullying happens everywhere – at school, at work and at home, and at all levels of age and society – and its long-term effects on the victims can be absolutely devastating, sometimes even deadly. 

On Tuesday 8 July –  at the invitation of the Alderney Theatre Group, who had watched the play ‘THE BENCH’ during the one-act play festival in Guernsey in May –  four Guernsey teenage students performed  their award-winning drama  in Alderney’s Island Hall. 

Pictured (l-r): Abi Dowinton, Pippa Smith, and Sophie Baker.

Directed by 14-year old Abi Dowinton and written by her mother Lyndsey Dowinton – ‘THE BENCH’ is  based on personal experience and is about a teenage schoolgirl ‘Catherine’ (played by 13-year old Sophie Baker) who endures a year of extortion and escalating victimisation at the hands of a fellow pupil ‘Melanie’ (played by 15-year old Pippa Smith). It concludes with a shocking message of ‘Guilt’ (delivered by 12-year old Kiara Topley).  

The play takes us through the four seasons of the year, demonstrating the impact relentless bullying can have as pressure on the teenager builds. Emotions rising, Catherine’s secrets are kept, leaving her feeling utterly helpless. The consequences are truly devastating , as Melanie realises only too late.     

Explaining the reasons for directing this play, Abi Dowinton said: “I wanted to share with you ‘THE BENCH’. It is something immensely close to my heart, personal to me, which made it all the more special for me.

Pictured (l-r): Pippa Smith and Sophie Baker onstage in Alderney.

“My drive to put on this play is not only about the bullying that I have experienced, but also as a shout out for the many children who have gone through, and do go through this on a daily basis, wanting them to know that they are not alone”.

Although only lasting for 25 minutes, ‘THE BENCH’ was an absolute eye-opener, making a big impact on the audience and leaving some of the adults close to tears. 

Pictured: “The tragic end” at the conclusion of the performance.

The Alderney performance was sponsored by the Alderney Theatre Group who contributed towards the travel expenses of the young thespians and their production team who had chartered a boat for a daytrip to Alderney and returned to Guernsey immediately after their performance. Donations were also made by members of  the audience who were deeply impressed. 

Ilona Soane-Sands, Alderney Theatre Group