Ashwell Theatre Club marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War by performing a show of two distinct halves.

 

Performed on 10th November 2018, the first half consisted of two narrators giving an overview of the war, from its beginnings and the sense of excitement felt by many, through to the horrors of warfare, the loss and the pain, and then arriving at Armistice Day. The narration was helped by a projected backdrop, sound effects and songs.  Interspersed throughout the narration were readings of poetry and prose.

The second half was a one act play entitled Tin Hats and Telegrams, written by Theresa Kane with music and lyrics by Ali Kane, John Kane and Tom Kane. Tin Hats saw possibly the biggest cast ATC has ever had. Including performers of all ages from 7 - 70+ it told the story of a village community who were celebrating the Armistice but reflecting on the struggles of wartime and the sadness of losing loved ones. The cast on stage were assisted with the musical numbers by a wonderful choir from Ashwell Primary School.

 

Act 1 Narration written and Readings chosen by Cliff Jenkinson

Director Act 1                                                              Paula Merrell

Director Tin Hats and Telegrams                             Robin Lipscombe

Musical Director and Choir Master                         Craig Maddox           

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Cast                                       Act 1                                Tin Hats and Telegrams

Ken Hollow                          Narrator                          Mr Webster

Paula Merrell                      Narrator                           Mrs Chapman

Wendy Scott                        Reader                             Mrs Briggs

Tom Mills                             Reader                             Eddie 

Jo Eggleton Rance              Reader                             Mrs Pearce

Christine Schwick               Reader                             Matron

Robin Lipscombe               Reader

David Rance                        Reader                             Injured Soldier

Connie Chambers              Reader                             Mrs Kendal

Craig Maddox                     Reader

Lucy Cotton                         Reader                             Nurse

David Collinson                   Reader                             Injured Soldier

John Boggust                       Reader                             Sergeant

Christine Scholfield            Reader                             Mrs Webster                 

Owen Brumby                     Performer                       John

Kit Coldstream                    Performer                       Reg

Florence Crossley               Performer                       Alex

Harry Crossley                    Performer                      Frank

Rafa Hamilton                     Performer                      Injured Soldier

Lila Linsley                           Performer                      Alice Chapman

James Merrell                      Performer                      Jack Webster

Erin Navarro                        Performer                      Doris

Jasper van Beers                 Performer                      Jim

Henry Peacock                                                             George

Summer Doran                                                            Elsie

Carol Fiske                                                                    Mrs Brodie

Harry van Beers                                                           Arthur Webster

Indigo van Beers                                                          Jean

Lottie van Beers                                                           Betsy

Georgia Brumby                                                           Lillian

Arthur Crossley                                                            Village Child/Tom

Lowenna Cotton                                                          Nurse

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