The Second World War resulted in the deaths of around 85 million people. Additionally, tens of millions more people were displaced. However, amid all the carnage people demonstrated remarkable courage, fortitude, compassion, mercy and sacrifice. We would like to honour and celebrate all of those people. In the War Years Blog, we examine the extraordinary experiences of individual service personnel. We also review military history books, events, and museums. And we look at the history of unique World War Two artefacts, medals, and anything else of interest.
Billy Bishop Goes To War
In this blog, we share the official press release for the WWI musical-drama Billy Bishop Goes To War at the Jermyn Street Theatre, London, between 31st October and 24th November 2018. This striking drama is based upon the true story of young Billy Bishop, a failing military college student who became Canada’s indomitable flying ace, the most successful pilot of his generation.
Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6ST
Wednesday 31 October – Saturday 24 November 2018
Coinciding with the centenary of the end of World War I, Proud Haddock is reviving Billy Bishop Goes To War as part of their War Season and Jermyn Street Theatre’s Rebels Season. This striking drama is based upon the true story of young Billy Bishop, a failing military college student who became Canada’s indomitable flying ace, the most successful pilot of his generation.
Billy Bishop Goes To War will star Charles Aitken (The Knick, Cinemax; Happy Death Day, Universal Pictures; King Lear, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Billy Bishop with Oliver Beamish (Coronation Street, ITV; Blood Brothers, Lyric Theatre; War Horse, The New London Theatre) as the Older Billy Bishop, who will also provide the piano and musical accompaniment. Between them, they will play a further 17 parts as they recount this extraordinary tale.
In 1914, Billy Bishop, aged only 20, signed up to fight in the Great War. A failing and bullied student, he overcame intense prejudice and astonishing danger to receive his wings and become the top fighter pilot. Through a combination of bravery and sheer luck, Billy was able to find his place and prove his worth. He became a true Canadian hero.
Brought to life with songs of the period, Billy Bishop Goes To War vividly transports the audience across the landscape of World War I, from the thick mud of No Man’s Land to the drawing rooms of the British aristocracy. This compelling and darkly comic drama interrogates the nature of heroism and its cost while shining a light on the often-neglected complexities of Britain’s colonial past during the War.
Written by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson, the play returns to London for the first time in over 35 years. Billy Bishop Goes To War is the deceptively moving and totally gripping account of one man’s life in World War I.
Director Jimmy Walters comments, Proud Haddock’s War Season continues with Billy Bishop Goes To War. This is a true story with lots of heart. Billy wasn’t the most academic student, was bullied at school and faced prejudice when he arrived in England during the First World War yet he overcame all of this to become the greatest fighter pilot of his generation. It’s an inspiring story that is a privilege to revive.
For more information download a copy of this press release.
To book ticket visit http://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/. The play runs between Wednesday 31October and Saturday 24 November, 2018.
Drama Revival Explores the Tragedy of Chemical Warfare
This autumn, Proud Haddock will bring Tony Harrison’s lyrical play Square Rounds to the Finborough Theatre for its first UK production in nearly 30 years since its rediscovery. Based on true events, this highly original play explores the devastating impact of chemical warfare and weapons of mass destruction.
This autumn, Proud Haddock will bring Tony Harrison’s lyrical play Square Rounds to the Finborough Theatre for its first UK production in nearly 30 years since its rediscovery. This all-female ensemble cast will star Gracy Goldman, Letty Thomas, Amy Marchant, Philippa Quinn and Rujenne Green.
Based on true events, this highly original play explores the devastating impact of chemical warfare and weapons of mass destruction. In the year that marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, this revival has never been timelier.
Performed entirely in verse, Square Rounds follows the lives of Fritz Haber, a German-Jewish chemist, and American inventor Hudson Maxim, brother to Hiram Maxim - the inventor of the machine gun. Through their experiences, this play will shine a light on the intricacies of escalating tensions between nations in the build-up to the First World War.
Fritz has been ordered by the Kaiser in Germany to develop a deadly poison gas to help Germany win the First World War but Hudson is concerned for his country, his brother, and the frightening technological advances employed by America’s new European enemies. Believing his new invention will be an opportunity to escape his status as an outsider in German society, Fritz is unaware that his work will go on to be used to exterminate his own people in the Holocaust just 25 years later.
Director Jimmy Walters comments, “We are delighted to be back taking on another Tony Harrison play, not least because it will be the first of two plays we are staging to mark the 100-year anniversary of the First World War. The content of this play is so fascinating that we all cannot wait to begin rehearsals and explore these characters in even further detail.”
Notes to Editors
Title: Square Rounds
Performance Dates: Tuesday 4 September – Saturday 29 September 2018
Tuesday - Saturday Evenings, 7.30 pm
Saturday, 3.00 pm (from 15 September)
Sunday, 3.00 pm
Running time: 2 hours (including a 15-minute interval)
Age Guidance: 16+
Location: Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 9ED
The Finborough Theatre is a 5-minute walk from Earl's Court Underground Station (District and Piccadilly Lines) and a 5-minute walk from West Brompton Station (District Line and National Rail).
Box Office Tickets are available priced from £18 (£16 concessions) until Sunday 16th September and then £20 (£18 concessions) from Tuesday 18th September. Call 01223 357 851 or book online at www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk