A drama by Peter Whelan

Directed by Jack Snell

14th-19th February 2011 at 7.45pm

Synopsis:

This lyrical and absorbing play is set in Accrington during the first two years of the Great War. The ‘Pals’ are the men from the local volunteer battalion who march high-spiritedly off to war. Their experiences in the trenches are contrasted with those of the women left behind, adapting to new patterns of life and drawing together in the face of social and sexual deprivation. In particular, the attitudes of May, the hard-working and strong-minded vegetable-stall holder, are contrasted with those of her idealistic and naively optimistic lodger Tom, and also with those of Eva, her generous-hearted friend. At times funny, at times sad, the play paints a moving and powerful picture of the changes in civilian life during wartime.

The Cast:

See production photographs

Review:

THIS was a first for me - although I had heard of Bournemouth Little Theatre Club I had never been to one of their productions before. I very much enjoyed the experience and was impressed by the professionalism.

Peter Whelan's play is based on the real Accrington Pals. This was a battalion, formed in the early days of the First World War of 1914-1918, after Kitchener's rallying call for a volunteer army. It consisted of ordinary people from all walks of life, mostly from Accrington, hence the name, but also from neighbouring towns and villages.

The play centres on the women left behind after the men have high-spiritedly marched off to war. It contrasts their life, and all the hardship and worries they suffer, with the experiences of their loved ones in the trenches.

All the actors played their parts very well but a special mention must go to Fiona Sinclair who played the forceful lead character of May. Also a much needed injection of humour, was brought in the scene involving May, Eva, Sarah and Bertha and lots of mugs of beer!

All in all a very enjoyable night's entertainment.

Janet Lester