Summerhill

Story

Synopsis

Summerhill, whose headmistress is Zoe Redhead, is a seventy year old progressive school, run on cooperative lines with pupils having an equal say in its constitution. However officious OFSTED inspector Wharton regards it as a waste of money and a means of teaching children disrespect - though his assistant Myrtle is charmed by its ambience. In a court hearing to decide the school's future barrister Geoffrey Robertson points to the many alumni from the school but also, thanks to a tip-off from a pupil, is able to reveal that Wharton had told Myrtle that the school was virtually due for closure and the inspection was purely a formality. Consequently Summerhill is saved, Myrtle gets to teach there and the children launch a pirate ship with the banner 'Freedom' to celebrate the victory. Two children whose future at the school looked uncertain are also given cause to celebrate.

Director

Jon East

Writers

Alison Hume

Language

English

Release date

21 January 2008

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Connor McIntyre

  Len

• 

  Olly Alexander

  Ned

• 

  Ruth Gemmell

  Rose

• 

  Annette Badland

  Myrtle

• 

  Jessie Cave

  Stella

• 

  Lola Mae Loughran

  Ellen

• Karl Rogers

  Peter