'The Last Day' of the First World War to be commemorated through theatre

WW1

Published: Tuesday 30th October 2018 | 10.50am

The stage is set for a musical play, to commemorate the end of the First World War across Cannock Chase District this November, as Cannock Chase Arts Council working with Cannock Chase Council presents ‘The Last Day’.

Through music, song and drama, this fictional play tells the moving story of the ‘The Last Day’ of the First World War – 11 November 1918, from midnight until the fateful hour, 11a.m.

The show will be on tour across the District, starting on Saturday 10 November at 2.30pm at Staffordshire University Academy, Hednesford, Sunday 11 November at 7.30pm at The Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock. The final show will be performed on Saturday 17 November at 7.30pm at The Rose Theatre, Rugeley.

Admission is free at the Hednesford and Rugeley shows whilst tickets are £7 for the centenary performance in Cannock. These can be purchased at the Prince of Wales Centre by calling (01543 578762) or visiting the theatre at Church Street, Cannock.

Councillor George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council said: “We are delighted to be supporting this event which will mark the anniversary of the end of the First World War. Those involved in creating this piece of theatre have worked hard to ensure it portrays ‘real’ experiences of wartime. We would urge people to come along and see the performance and remember the huge sacrifices made by men and women across Cannock Chase”.

Lisa Shephard, Community Wellbeing Manager for Inspiring healthy lifestyles said: "This event is a great example of how the arts has been used to bring together civilian and military communities and exemplifies us all doing our part to meet the districts Armed Forces Covenant”.

Peter Sidgwick, Chairman of Cannock Chase Arts Council, said: “‘The Last Day’ presented by Cannock Chase Arts Council will be very much a community event involving over 150 local amateur actors, musicians, singers, dancers, army cadets, schoolchildren and the Birmingham Pals (a First World War re-enactment group) together with presentations from local photographers, painters and tapestry makers.

The Staffordshire Regimental Association will also be leading a special centenary commemoration as part of the programme”

The event is being supported and funded by the Council, Inspiring healthy lifestyles, Staffordshire Regimental Association and the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund.

For more information about the performance, contact Pete Sidgwick on 07947788317.

 

A to Z of Services