To commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One, members of Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre are busy preparing for a unique production centred on Staffordshire history during the Great War period. Entitled, The Town the Great War Built, the play has been written by Director Nick Earnshaw and will premier in the MET Studio later this month.
In the Autumn of 1914, only months after the outbreak of WWI, construction began on two large camps on Cannock Chase. Eventually, an entire town was created where the soldiers would live and train. It would often become the final stop before travelling to Europe to face an uncertain future.
Inspired by this piece of local history, Director Nick together with members of SGYT Group 7 have been devising a piece of theatre based around the experience of individuals who lived at the War Camps. SGYT were approached by the Friends of Cannock Chase to begin to research and develop a piece which brings to life their research on soldiers who trained and lived at the camps during this time. Using photographs, maps, diary entries, postcards and visitor book messages, SGYT Group 7 conducted workshops and improvised characters and situations to determine what individuals and events to focus on.
Director Nick Earnshaw says:
“I knew about a training facility on the Chase during the Great War but it was apparent very early on in the research process just how much I did not know about the impact on the local area and the general experience of the soldiers who trained and lived there. Writing this play has been a real eye opener to the struggle, emotion and hope right on our door step 100 years ago. The fact a whole town was created, with a WH Smith, its own Theatre, Cinema, Water Tower and YMCA Huts, is a part of our history in Stafford, a history not known by all. The stories of the individuals who lived there are moving, funny and compelling.
The play will tell the story of eight soldiers and a lot of the dialogue from the play come right from the letters sent back home.”
The initial showcase of the project will take place at the MET Studio in April. Following this, the play will also be performed during October this year at the Gatehouse and at the Great War Hut at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, as well being turned into a short film.
The Town the Great War Built will be performed in the MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th April 2018 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £7.50, with a concession price of £6.50, and are available from the Box Office on 01785 619080 or via www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
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