First World War play reflects real lives of Tittleshall folk
Characters from a play being staged in Tittleshall recalling men from the village who fought and died in the First World War - including stories of some real soldiers named on the village war memorial. From left, Liz Lucas (Jane), Richard Tree (Herbert Roberson), Robin Hawkes (Farmer William Brandford), Sue Lane (Ms Morris). Picture: Matthew Usher. - Credit: Matthew Usher
A new play 'Where Poppies Bloomed' has been specially written by award winning author and playwright Adrian Drew to commemorate Norfolk's involvement in the First World War and to illustrate its impact on the residents of the small village of Tittleshall.
Tittleshall war memorial, Picture: Matthew Usher. - Credit: Matthew Usher
It is a heart-warming and moving tale inspired by local family histories and documented incidents from the troubled years between 1914 and 1918.
Although the author has used considerable artistic freedom in developing the project, at the core of the play is a remarkable, true story about real characters living in the village at the time.
The tale unfolds following the discovery of some faded photographs from a century before – and the characters they depict tell the story of what happened in the village and on the battlefields.
It includes music from the Student Prince, Mari Loyd's famous saucy numbers, as well as traditional songs from the trenches. Ultimately, the play reminds us of how the war affected so many of the lives of our relatives from the past.
Characters from a play being staged in Tittleshall recalling men from the village who fought and died in the First World War - including stories of some real soldiers named on the village war memorial. From left, Liz Lucas (Jane), Robin Hawkes (Farmer William Brandford), Sue Lane (Ms Morris) and Richard Tree (Herbert Roberson). Picture: Matthew Usher. - Credit: Matthew Usher
Rich in comedy and tragedy this play is destined to be a memorable commemoration of 'the war to end all wars'.
Directed by Grant Harrison with a cast drawn from the Tittleshall and the surrounding area this production is supported by Tittleshall Parish Council, Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council. Where Poppies Bloomed will be premiered at Wells Granary Theatre on Thursday October 16 (box office 01328 710885) followed by performances at Tittleshall Village Hall on Friday October 17 and Saturday October 18 (box office 01328 700559). Early booking is advised.
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The play, with a professional cast, will be staged at the Orangery in Greenwich, London and The Bakery Theatre in Blackheath, London next year, directed by the author.
