The Accrington Pals

'The Accrington Pals' is an extremely moving play based in Accrington during the start of the First World War. The Accrington Pals were formed and fought as the play suggests, but the story within the play fictional. It is based on the hard, harsh realities people had to face during this time. The play was first published in 1982 and written by Peter Whelan, one of the Royal Shakespeare Companies’ most notable playwrights. Peter also won the Lloyds Bank ‘Playwright of the Year’ award in 1996.

The play follows the story three of men who volunteered to 'join up' following Lord Kitcheners’ August appeal, to fight for their country and sign up with their fellow friends. The scenes of the play constantly move backwards and forwards to the front line and then contrasts this with the women left holding the fort back in Accrington. There were also happy moments to be seen when the soldiers returned home to visit their loved ones. This is an extremely intimate play which has many dark moments throughout. These moments are finely balanced with the comedy coming from the bellowing tones of the character Annie echoing down the streets of Accrington. The cast managed to portray all these emotions extremely well and the audience could really empathise with the characters within the play.

Upon entering the theatre the audience were greeted by the entire front of house staff dressed in period costume, handing out commemorative programmes. This began to set the scene of what was to follow. Before the play started an original song composed and performed by Michael Flanagan especially for this event, was performed with only his guitar.

This play being staged so close to its original origins, in which the Pal’s were formed, made it all the more special. The play had a massive impact on the packed out audience and it is a fitting tribute to remember all the local fallen soldiers, especially in this 100th anniversary year since beginning of the First World War.

The society should be extremely proud of what they achieved from the complementary commemorative programmes to every line delivered on stage, from every lighting cue to every set change, it all was superb. I would like to thank the society for their hospitality and look forward to seeing their next production in 2015.

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