The Great War remembered from beyond the poppy fields

A poignant portrait of one man's life cut tragically short by the First World War, this new play at the Trafalgar Studios combines letters, poetry and music of the era, including those of the man in question, Charles Hamilton Sorley. Now that we are halfway through the centenary of the Great War, this timely production originally premiered at Finborough Theatre to critical acclaim and garnering seven OffWestEnd Awards in the process. Now this West End transfer is set to make for a contemplative work during November, asking us once again to consider the futility of war.

The story is centred upon 20 year-old Charles Sorley, a soldier who is tragically killed in action during the Great War. Upon receiving his effects, his heartbroken parents discover a wealth of letters and poems that he had written, and are determined to remember him by. The play makes use of his extraordinary writings, combined with the use of music and songs by composers of the era including George Butterworth, Domhnall Ruadh Choruna, Ivor Gurney, John Ireland, Rudi Stephan and Ralph Vaughan Williams; the end effect is a deeply moving piece of historical theatre.