Wilmslow Guild Players' next production is a gentle and heart-warming comedy 'Heroes'.
Heroes is about three French veterans of the First World War who meet as residents of a soldier's home in 1959. They talk about wishing to escape but have problems with their various handicaps. Will they achieve their aim to gain their freedom or will it remain a dream?
"I chose the play after having seen it in the West End with the original cast during its premiered run in 2005," said director Val Harris. "The script is so well written, the three characters so superbly defined and very different yet their relationship works extremely well."
The play is written by Gérald Sibleyras, a French dramatist and actor. It was first produced in Paris in 2002 under its original title 'Le Vent des Peupliers', and became an enormous success. It was translated by Tom Stoppard and premiered in the UK at the Wyndham's Theatre, London to great acclaim with John Hurt, Richard Griffiths and Ken Stott.
"I am sure that audiences will enjoy the gentle humour of the script which laces the pathos with sharp wit," said Val. "Everyone has had in their family someone who was affected by the First World War in some way or another. Today, it still remains for many a fascinating period of history as testament to the many dramas and films recently made. Here is a play that shows what can happen to some men after the main event is over."
"I have no favourite character in this play," continued Val. "Each one has a unique outlook on life which I find intriguing and every one has an interesting story to tell. They are equally endearing in their own way individually and as a group. There are always challenges in plays but so long as one has the right cast these can all be dealt with." Rehearsals are going well as everyone is working hard to get as much out of the script as possible. "They, like me, know that you only get out what you put in and they are a dedicated group of actors," said Val.
The play runs from 24th to 27th October at Wilmslow Guild on Bourne Street. Tickets cost £7 and can be booked by calling 01625 520126 or emailing [email protected].
For further information visit the Wilmslow Guild Players' website.
Photo caption: (Left to right) Owen Le Blanc, John Banks and Chris Robinson in rehearsals.
This is a member post by Bill Beton.
