Powerful play 'All My Pretty Ones' explores hidden histories at Birmingham Rep
The drama follows three present-day medical students who stumble into the shadow of this forgotten atrocity, confronting themes of guilt, silence, and historical memory.
There are some shows you watch, and then there are some that get under your skin—“All My Pretty Ones” is definitely the latter.
Playing at the Birmingham Rep from 14–17 May, this new memory play from White Bear Productions is one of those rare pieces of theatre that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go.
Written by Patrick Hayes and directed with striking care by Marcus Fernando, the play dives into the true - and harrowing - story of Oradour-sur-Glane, a quiet French village utterly destroyed by the Nazis in 1944.
Over 600 civilians were murdered in cold blood, and to this day, the ruins stand as a chilling memorial.
It's one of the worst massacres in Western Europe, and yet... how many of us have even heard of it?
But this isn't just a historical retelling. This is a play that asks questions. The story cleverly shifts between past and present, as three modern-day medical students—a Brit, a German, and a Frenchwoman—find themselves at a guesthouse near the ruins. What starts out as a bit of a detour turns into something much deeper: a reckoning with inherited trauma, cultural silence, and the uncomfortable truths we don’t always want to face.
It’s clear the creative team didn’t just research Oradour—they felt it. The depth of care shows in every detail. And that’s what makes the whole thing hit so hard. Because this isn’t just about one village, one atrocity. It’s about how the past never really goes away—and how silence, apathy, and “looking the other way” can be just as dangerous as violence itself.
“All My Pretty Ones” isn’t just a play—it’s an experience. A beautifully crafted, deeply felt confrontation with history, guilt, and humanity. Honestly, I’m still thinking about it.
🎟️ Tickets start at just £8 (especially generous for under-16s!) and it’s only on for four days - 14–17 May - so if you’re in or near Birmingham, get on this while you can.
📍 Birmingham Rep, 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP 🕗 Evening shows at 8pm, Matinees on 15 & 17 May at 2pm 👉 Book here More on the company at whitebearproductions.org
Trust me—this one will stay with you.