New theatre inspired by stories of First World War.
Vamos Young People’s Theatre, the youth section of Worcester-based Vamos Youth Theatre, the UK’s leading full mask theatre company, presents In Dear Old England’s Name on 20 July as part of the Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme. The performance is free and takes place at The Hive, Worcester at 7pm. The performance lasts 25 minutes.
Alongside learning mask theatre skills, Vamos Young People’s Theatre, have spent the year researching and developing In Dear Old England’s Name, with the help of Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service and the team from the Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme.
Inspired by true stories, In Dear Old England’s Name follows the lives of Kitty and Percy, a couple enjoying a wartime romance. Recently married, they head out for an evening at the theatre to see Worcester-born Vesta Tilley, a cross-dressing music hall star famed for her recruitment of men to the war effort. Enthused by Vesta’s performance, Percy signs up for the army there and then. But does he realise what he’s leaving behind?
Adrian Gregson, Worcestershire World War One Hundred Project Director said: “It has been fantastic working with the dedicated young people from Vamos Young People’s Theatre. They have really taken their time to research and understand the Vesta Tilley Archive and the role the music hall star played in recruitment in World War One.”
Kathryn Green, Vamos Theatre added: “Vamos Young People’s Theatre offers young people aged 9–13 years the opportunity to experience high-quality drama training with a particular focus on the innovative and engaging mask theatre for which Vamos are renowned. This particular group of young people have really engaged with the First World War and really explored the impact it had on the people of Worcestershire.”
Vamos Young People’s Theatre is funded by The Bransford Trust, Worcester Arts Council, and by Cllrs Derek Prodger, Paul Tuthill, Matthew Jenkins and Paul Denham through the Worcestershire County Council Divisional Fund. In Dear Old England’s Name is supported by the Sir Barry Jackson Trust and the Worcestershire World War One Hundred Project.
To book your seats visit https://e-services.worcestershire.gov.uk/LibraryEvents/EventDetails.aspx?id=253
For more information on In Dear Old England’s Name and events and activities taking place across Worcestershire as part of the centenary commemorations visit www.ww1worcestershire.co.uk/