When Heroes
Were Led By Boneheads
The Accrington Pals
By Peter Whelan
Newcastle Peoples Theatre
Until Saturday 19th
July 2014.
The
Peoples Theatre in Newcastle have had a cracking season and they have chosen to
bring it to a close with a tribute to the many who made the ultimate sacrifice
in the first world war. Without getting sentimental, the theatre has produced a
play which reflects the both the issues on the home front as much as on the
actual battle field. This was a chance for some of the younger members of the
company to shine.
The
story starts with the initial upturn in fortunes that the extra pay for the
soldiers and extra work for the factories and mills brought with it. Much of the action surrounds 4 central
characters who were exquisitely portrayed in this production. Sara Jo Harrison was elegant as
the market stall holder, May, who dreams of owning her own shop. She has taken
in Tom, played by the charming Jonny Lavelle, but he has
decided to join the Pals regiment in this corner of North West England. Joining him will be Ralph,
in a brave and engaging role for Craig Fairbairn. Ralph suggests that May takes
on former farm girl Eva to replace Tom. Emma Jane Richards is superb as
Eva, a character that goes through many emotions.
The male half of the cast is complemented by
the paternal Company Sargent Major Rivers (Ricky Shah), God
fearing Dad Arthur (Keith Henderson) and Boys Brigade member Reggie (Arthur
Thorpe). Back in Accrington Annie (Moira Valentine), Sarah (Sarah Grace
Davison) and Bertha (Rhiannon Wilson) await news from the Western Front. Each
admirable performance enhanced the play.
The
set may have resembled that of a Shakespeare Play but that is no bad thing as
the audiences focus turns to the strong performances of the cast.
This
is an emotional production with a strong message but remains entertaining and
shows the contrast of the lighter, more innocent times with changing fortunes
and ambitions. Peter Whelan, who wrote the
play, died at the start of the month but his legacy is a script which has
believable characters.
This
was a fine piece of theatre to finish the season with and everyone involved
should justifiably proud of their achievements.
The
History of the East Lancashire Regiment in the Great War" records that out
of some 720 Accrington Pals who took part in the attack, 584 were killed,
wounded or missing. Further information can be found at http://www.pals.org.uk/pals_e.htm.
The
new season starts with Gregorys Girl in September and hopefully some new
flavours of ice cream!
Photos by Paula
Smart: https://www.facebook.com/thejazzdevilphoto
This review
was written by Stephen
Oliver
for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Ticket Information:
The Accrington Pals
by Peter
Whelan
DATE: Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 July 2014
TIME: 7.30pm
VENUE: The
People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE6 5QF
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/peoples.ptag
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/peoplestheatre 
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