COMEDIANS Malcolm Stent and Don Maclean take a serious turn with their brand new play at the Palace Theatre next Saturday (November 7).
It was 100 years ago, on Sunday November 21 1915 after church parade, that 841 men and 29 officers of the 14th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment were transported to Folkestone where they boarded HMS Invicta to sail for Boulogne and the battlefields of France – many never to return.
Malcolm and Don have written a play and its tour this November coincides with this anniversary.
Brummegem Pals is the story of best mates Jackie Moore and Danny Arrowsmith, 17 years of age and intent on abandoning their apprenticeship in favour of adventure.
Jackie and Danny enlist and serve together throughout World War 1, from recruitment and training to the Battle of the Somme, Italy and back to France. It’s the moving story of two ordinary boys, their lives, loves and their families who are caught up in the horrors of the war to end all wars.
“Brummegem Pals is our small tribute to those brave men who volunteered to fight for their country,” said Malcolm.
“It tells the story of two boys, enthused by the stories of adventure and who join up under age thinking it will be like a scout camp with guns but who find the reality something different.”
Malcolm and Don lead a cast of 13, including three musicians, in the play, which has five new songs written by Malcolm and one by Don.
The combination of Don’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the Great War, Malcolm’s storytelling and songs new and old ensures that this tale of love, heartbreak and Brummie resilience is enjoyed by young and old alike.
Tickets are available in person or at the box office on 01527 65203 priced £19.75 or you buy online at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk .
