Last Train to Tomorrow

Holocaust Educational Trust Regional Ambassadors

On Remembrance Sunday, 9th November, I rounded off a busy week with a trip with fellow HET Regional Ambassador Emma Raynor, to the Roundhouse, to see the premiere of the musical performance 'Last Train to Tomorrow' composed and conducted by the internationally acclaimed Carl Davis.

The evening fell on the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht as the programme followed a dramatic and moving portrayal of the journey of the Kinder as they fled Nazi oppression over 70yrs ago. The evening held much resonance in the wake of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the liberation of many concentration camps, where many, if not all, relatives of the kinder were murdered. Prince Charles himself attended, after a busy remembrance Sunday schedule and met personally with those members of the kinder present at the premiere. Hosting the event, was Natasha Kaplinsky, also a member of the recently formed Prime Minister's Holocaust Commission. Perhaps most notably, members of the Kinder themselves were present and as the evening unfolded, with children singing and reenacting the difficult journey that came with Kindertransport, the audience were treated to an authentic performance with immensely powerful connotations as we sat side by side in the auditorium.

Children of the Choir

The voices of the children were remarkable. I don't want to be the one who says that they were sensational for their age, but they were. You just don't expect a flawless soprano to come from a 12yr old girl. There were of course a few whose vocals were perhaps not flawless, but it actually added to the authenticity of the journey, not knowing where they were going, who to speak to or quite how loud to speak out. It was incredibly moving to know that we shared this premiere with those who had lived through the ordeal, particularly as I have always had a great interest in the story of the Kinder, having grown-up in the hometown of a man known by all at the roundhouse that evening, Sir Nicholas Winton.

Last Train to Tomorrow

After the show I ran into Hermann Hirschberger a member of the Kinder, whom I've seen at many events but I've never had the pleasure of speaking to him. He spoke very highly of the performance and said he'd see me at the next event. I'll hold him to that! The premiere meant a great deal to the kinder and all wanted a souvenir programme but they very very quickly ran out. I gave mine to the grandson of one of the Kinder as I figured it meant a lot more to him than it would to me. But for all those still left without one, you can now send a cheque of £5 to AJR to receive one as they're printing more: http://www.ajr.org.uk/latest-news/article.1421

A really wonderful evening that carried me away with emotion and left me astounded by the talents and the courage of so many children, both past and present. A proud moment for British history and one that will help continue to carve the legacy of the wonderful people who made Kindertransport possible. A moment I'm very much glad to have been a part of in some way.