The Accrington Pals

2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War. A bloody war that claimed the lives of an estimated 16 million people. This era of history has been visited and revisited in the media, with emphasis on the men who went off to fight and die.

But what of those left behind? May; the stall keeper, struggling to cope with her feelings towards her lodger and surrogate son Tom. Eva; a millworker wishing for her love Ralph to come home safely. Sarah; a decrier of authority, mother, millworker and wife. Bertha; a young millworker turned tram ticket seller. Annie; mother of Reggie who struggles to cope being left alone when her husband Arthur goes off to fight.

Set between 1914 and 1916 this poignant, funny and evocative play follows the lives of 5 women in Accrington, Lancashire left behind when the men in the town go off to fight.

'There are tear-dimed eyes in the town today,

There are lips to be no more kissed.

There bosoms that swell with an aching heart

When they think of their dear ones missed.

Bit time will assauge their heartfelt grief

Of the sons they will proudly tell

How in gallant charge in the world wide war

As Pals they fought and fell.'

This amateur production of 'The Accrington Pals' is presented with special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD.