The
Man and the Donkey Returns Home
The Man
and the Donkey
South
Shields Customs
House
Tuesday 19th
May to Saturday
23rd May 2015.
.JPG)
The tale of a North East war hero will be brought to life to
commemorate the centenary of his death. John Simpson Kirkpatrick is known to
millions on the other side of the world but few know his story of courage on
his home shores. The Customs House in South Shields will
chronicle his heroic tale in the critically-acclaimed play The Man and the
Donkey.
.JPG)
Director
Jackie Fielding said: “This is a fantastic, poignant and fascinating piece of
theatre with a lot of laughs. It's a
story which everyone can enjoy. We are thrilled that most of the original cast
and production team are back together and cannot wait for rehearsals to get
started again.”
.jpg)
The
play was first performed in 2011 and is returning to mark the 100th Anniversary
of Kirkpatrick’s death will run at the Mill Dam theatre from May 19 to 23. Valerie
Laws’ much-loved play follows John as he joins the Merchant Navy at 17 and
heads off to Australia, from there he enlists
to serve with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) as a stretcher
bearer in World War I. There, with the help of his trusty donkey Duffy, and
under fire, he helped to rescue wounded soldiers on the shores of Gallipoli
until his death on May 19, 1915. He is now remembered as
one of Australia’s best-loved war heroes.
.JPG)
Customs
House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: “When this production was first put
on in 2011 everybody loved it. We
decided to bring it back this year to commemorate the 100 anniversary of John
Simpson Kirkpatrick's death and we are sure it will once again be loved by all
who see it. It's a very moving, yet funny play. Kirkpatrick was a real character
and the wonderful script, written by Valerie Laws, and fantastic direction by
Jackie Fielding really do bring his and Duffy's story to life.
.JPG)
“In
Australia his story is known by
everyone and we wanted to remember him in this very special year. Kirkpatrick was a true hero – as it says on
his gravestone – he gave his life that others may live. Anzac Day on Saturday
(April 25) marks 100 years since the Gallipoli landings and I’m sure the people
of South
Tyneside
will take a moment to think of Kirkpatrick, who remains one of South Shields’ greatest heroes.”
Customs
House regular Jamie Brown, who will take on the lead of Kirkpatrick, added:
“The story of Kirkpatrick is just incredible and it is an honour to bring it to
life.”
Joining
him in the cast will be Viktoria Kay, Gary Kitching, James Hedley, Jacqueline
Phillips and Dean Logan.
Tickets:
The
Man and the Donkey is on at The Customs House from May 19 to 23. Tickets are
£15, £14 concession and £5 to schools and are available
from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk
Breaking News is the new EP from North East
band Peculiar Disco Moves. The new video is a portrayal of celebrity life,
where red tops will sell their Granny to get a picture of a Z-lister parking
his car one minute, then drop him or her like an anchor in the sea the next.
No comments:
Post a Comment