★★★★★ – The Observer
★★★★ “A wonderful new play” – The Times
★★★★ – “A beautiful constructed drama” - The Guardian
★★★★ “Poignant, warm hearted drama …hankies at the ready” Daily Telegraph
Derby Theatre will play host to Northern Broadsides, and their highly acclaimed world premiere production of Deborah McAndrew’s An August Bank Holiday Lark, from Tue 20 until Sat 24 May.
Taking its title from a line in Philip Larkin’s poem MCMXIV, An August Bank Holiday Lark commemorates the centenary of the start of the First World War and explores what impact war has on a rural community in East Lancashire. Set in the idyllic summer of 1914 rural Lancashire, everyone in the community is excited about Wakes week; a rest from field and mill and a celebration of the Rushbearing Festival with singing, courting, drinking and dancing. The looming war barely registers … but it will.
Through the lens of traditional rural life, the play follows the stories of the people of the village and witnesses their personal transitions from exuberance to touching naivety as they deal with their loss with courage and humanity.
Deborah McAndrew said: “An August Bank Holiday Lark focuses on one small community and the, often overlooked, British involvement on the Eastern Front. Countless Lancashire lads exchanged the soft Pennine drizzle for the searing Turkish sun and gave their lives at The August Offensive in Gallipoli. The play never leaves the fictional village of Greenmill, but remembers the fallen and wounded – and those for whom the war was far away and over long before the guns were finally silenced. “It felt important to depict normal life with all the character and absurdity that you always see in people. The War happened to folk who were flirting and arguing, dreaming and even dying in the usual way; people for whom a poppy was just another flower you stuck in your hat.”
Northern Broadsides are a unique theatre company with a true northern voice. Their work is characterised by a high degree of theatrical inventiveness and robust performances from a large ensemble cast of multi-talented and charismatic northern actors who all perform in their natural voices. For the past 22 years, they have delighted audiences here and abroad with a growing classic repertoire which has won them many awards and a loyal following worldwide.
Tickets for An August Bank Holiday Lark are £10.50 - £25.50. For more information and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01332 593939 or online at www.derbytheatre.co.uk
Tue 20 – Sat 24 May Evening performances: 7.30pm Matinee performances (Wed and Sat), 2.30pm Tickets: £10.50 - £25.50 Box Office: 01332 593939 www.derbytheatre.co.uk
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