FROM THE BARN ARCHIVES

All Our Children

By Stephen Unwin
Directed by John Cook
27th March – 4th April 2026 at 8pm
Matinee on 4th at 2:30pm

Approx. 2hrs with one interval.

One voice of courage in a world of silence.

A powerful compelling drama… about the sanctity of life.
The New York Times

Set in 1941 in a small German clinic, All Our Children unfolds over the course of one winter’s day in the lives of people quietly trying to navigate a world losing its moral compass. Into this enclosed space come voices that challenge, soften and inspire: a weary doctor rediscovering his conscience, a mother holding fiercely to love, a maid whose practicality masks deep compassion, and a bishop whose remarkable real-life courage lit a spark of resistance across the country. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking reflection on conscience, complicity and the duty to protect the most vulnerable among us. Yet, rather than retelling history’s horrors, the play focuses on the humanity that persists despite them. It explores how kindness survives pressure, how doubt can lead to bravery, and how a single conversation can shift a life’s direction. At its heart lies an uplifting message: that even when the world seems fixed on a path of cruelty, individual acts of integrity still carry weight. With its intimate setting and beautifully written characters, All Our Children draws audiences into a story that’s both deeply personal and quietly epic. This is a play that lingers long after the lights fade, reminding us of the enduring power of empathy and moral courage.

Get Your Tickets

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
John Cook

CAST

Elizabetta
Bishop von Galen

CREATIVE TEAM

Production Manager
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Set Design
Lighting Design
Lighting
Sound Design

Many thanks to Burrowfield Autos for the loan of the gorgeous wing-back chairs: www.burrowfieldautos.co.uk and to Eva Shaw for helping us with the German  pronunciations.

Production PHOTOS

(Click image to enlarge)

MEDIA & REVIEWS​

A powerful compelling drama… about the sanctity of life.
The New York Times
…an undeniably powerful piece.
The Telegraph
Unwin’s dialogue is sharp and bright.
WhatsOnStage
Masterful writing… honed dialogue… an outstanding piece.
TheaterScene

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON​

CONTENT WARNING

Opening5th September
Opening20th September

 

WE'RE Here To HELP

Do you have a question? Do you need help?

Feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

If you need to contact a specific department eg. Box Office, please select it from the dropdown list.

Top Person @ 12 O'ClockPerson @ 2 O'ClockPerson @ 5 O'ClockPerson @ 7 O'ClockPerson @ 9 O'ClockCentre Heart

Welcoming Everyone Into Our Community

All Our Children

There is no specific diversity message within its narrative. All Our Children explores the historical persecution of disabled people under Nazi rule, but its message resonates strongly today as a call to recognise the intrinsic value of every life. While some roles reflect specific historical identities, casting can embrace wide cultural and ethnic diversity. Sensitivity to the portrayal of disability is essential, ensuring dignity, respect and authenticity. The production celebrates the courage of those who resisted dehumanisation and invites audiences to reflect on the continuing importance of inclusion and compassion.

The Full Monty Charity Preview Night at the Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City - September 2026

The Full Monty

(Charity Preview Night)

Thursday 17th September

18th - 26th September - Individual Shows

4.30pm – 5.30pm

7.30pm – 8.30pm

6pm – 7pm

9pm – 10pm

#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjQ0MDYwIiwidG9nZ2xlIjpmYWxzZX0%3D

Pop up ticket link for event #elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjM4Mzk2IiwidG9nZ2xlIjpmYWxzZX0%3D

Comedy at the Barn Edinburgh Fringe Special.

Comedy at the Barn

(Edinburgh Fringe Special)

Saturday 11th July
4.30pm – 10pm

27th June - Individual Shows

4.30pm – 5.30pm

6pm – 7pm

7.30pm – 8.30pm

9pm – 10pm

Pop up ticket link for event #elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjM4Mzk2IiwidG9nZ2xlIjpmYWxzZX0%3D

Comedy at the Barn Edinburgh Fringe Special.

Comedy at the Barn

(Edinburgh Fringe Special)

Saturday 27th June
4pm – 9.30pm

27th June - Individual Shows

4pm – 5pm

5.30pm – 6.30pm

7pm – 8pm

8.30pm – 9.30pm