The Accrington Pals

The Accrington Pals was written by Peter Whelan in 1981 one of his earlier plays. He was an inspirational member of The Drama Society at the Experimental College of North Staffordshire and I feel that this experience was instrumental in the way he delineated his characters, making them feel very real and believable.                                                                                           

The Windmill Players had chosen the play as we commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. The action of the play takes place between Autumn 1914 and July 1916 in Accrington, Lancashire and France and highlights the effect the war had on the families whose menfolk were enlisted or volunteered.

This was a poignant story beautifully acted by all ten members of the cast who were completely involved in the unfolding story.

Directed sensitively by Angela Hudson and Jack Evans, the story told of the feelings, attitudes and loyalties between family members in the close-knit community in Accrington.The whole cast gelled well and the contrast between the tragedy of war and the humour and stoicism  shown by those at home was evident in their performances. All on stage appeared to be very natural and at ease and we the audience felt very much part of the story.

The playwright had written empathic roles for the five East Lancashire feisty women, Jackie Rhodes as May, Judi Adams as Sarah, Lisa Carolan as Eva, Hope Miller as Bertha and Louise Evans as Annie who all gave good performances as the women who had to deal with the austere conditions in England at that time.

Co-Director Jack Evans was outstanding in his role as Ralph. He showed all the facets of his character. His diction was excellent and his nude scene was not offensive in any way, although it did surprise some members of the audience, who had not read the programme.

Dramatic Sound and Front Projection lighting effects were used as the men fought in the trenches and the dual purpose set was used to its full advantage. There was some very emotive music played which was highly appropriate.Props and costumes were clearly well researched and helped to ensure the poignancy of the piece. The dramatic finale where the cast knelt in front of a shower of poppies epitomized the desired atmosphere of the piece.

Angela Hudson and Jack Evans are to be congratulated on the final result.     I felt members of the audience were left in no doubt as to the horrors of war and what those who fought and those at home, had to suffer.

I left the theatre realizing the futility of war and the waste of young lives, which I believe was what the playwright and tonight’s Production Team intended.

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.