The play is a theatrical chronicle of the attitudes, horrors, and above all the courage and spirit of those who lived through this defining time. In a story told through the songs and documents of the period, the play was devised and written by theatre workshop in 1963, under the intense direction of the maverick Joan Littlewood, and has become a classic of modern theatre.
The production requires an ensemble group of between 15 and 20 talented performers who need to be able to sing and move well while playing a variety of different parts. A band of accomplished musicians is equally central to the play’s success along with a strong technical team to master the synchronised use of slides and other special audio visual effects.
Chairman Mary Wilkinson said “We hope to attract talented individuals from around the region to join us for this show which is a real landmark production for the company; we are lucky to have secured the performing rights for it in this special WWI centenary year.”
Directing the show is ex professional and seasoned Grassington Player, Paula Vickers, who invites all those who are interested in being part of this unique production to come to an initial meeting on Tuesday 17th June at Grassington Congregational Church school room at 7.30pm. Subsequent auditions will be taking place on Monday 30th June and Wednesday 2nd July in the Octagon Theatre at the Town Hall (Devonshire Institute) at 7.30pm. The performances will be on October 16th, 17th & 18th.
Paula also plans to involve the local schools and the community in researching and celebrating the role of local people during the Great War to commemorate what life was like for the dales community during this difficult time.
For more information about the forthcoming production, Paula can be contacted by email on pevickers@googlemail.com or Chairman, Mary Wilkinson by telephone on 01756 752740.