A one man performance based on the events surrounding the Christmas Day Truce of 1914 as seen through the eyes of a young soldier is being staged at All Saints Parish Hall, Scratby, next month.
The “moving and profound” drama is being championed by parish councillor Andrew Eagle who was saw it at St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth and wanted to bring it to the parish.
Our Friends, The Enemy tells how combat was halted in a temporary and unofficial ceasefire and soldiers on both sides crossed no man’s land to exchange food and gifts and even sing carols with their enemy.
Our Friends, The Enemy is a highly acclaimed play combining theatre and the spoken word to capture the fabled Christmas truce.
The play is written and performed by published poet and young playwright, Alex Gwyther and directed by Tom O’Brien.
It enjoyed sell-out runs in Edinburgh and London last year.
David Adkin’s tour with Our Friends, The Enemy coincides with many centenary events up and down the country and also countless media stories and documentaries.
Reviewers have described the play as “tremendous, captivating and imaginative” and praised the remarkable research and interpretation by Gwyther, whose “excellent” solo performance has given onlookers an often unexpectedly emotional theatrical experience.
As well as the play itself, Alex Gwyther will be running optional creative writing workshops which can be adapted to suit different ages. These will be centred on the truce and allow audiences to engage further with the astounding events of the truce and The Great War.
Our Friends, The Enemy was described by The Scotsman as “a haunting and powerful work”.
Alex Gwyther is a published writer, spoken word artist and language teacher. His unique delivery has seen him perform across the country at venues, festivals and events at venues including Oxford University, the Royal Festival Hall and even the Mayor of London’s Week of Peace in Trafalgar Square. His commissions include work for organisations, businesses and charities including BBC Radio 1, Mastercard, Transitions Global and The Southbank Centre. www.alexgwyther.com
Director of Our Friends, The Enemy is Tom O’Brien, designer is James Hirst, lighting design is by Derek Anderson, sound design is by David Gregory and music is by Darren Clark.
The play is supported with funding from Arts Council England.
The show is on Saturday October 11. Tickets £8.50 from 01493 733037, 079908 12023.
Email clerk@ormesby.org
For more information visit www.ourfriendstheenemy.com.
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