Tommy's Story

This was a joint Production between Cockertmouth Amateur Dramatic Society and Workington Playgoers Club

This was a lovely and poignant concept, written by Beryl. It started with Tommy listening to the announcement of the start of the Second World War. It retraced his life as a boy and enlisting, along with four pals, for the army, to fight in the Great War.

After the prologue, we were treated to an ‘Old Time Music Hall’, ably chaired by Stewart Grant.This set the early century scene very well, but I felt that the songs, all well performed, went on rather too long. Perhaps a single verse, or even two from each would have set the scene equally as well.

We saw the five pals enlisting and heading off to war and the worried mothers, at home , ever anxious about their sons. Very moving and poignant scenes.

We were then in the trenches with the lads, who were waiting for the order to go over the top. What happened to the combat helmets, rather than the caps?. One of the friends loses his nerve and deserts, eventually facing the firing squad, while all the while the mothers at home, sat together and wished for the safe return of their sons.

There were some lovely performances. All the five recruits were very convincing, as were the mothers at home. I particularly enjoyed Joan Hetherington as Sarah, Tommy’s mother, hers was a terrific performance from start to finish.

I felt that the second half was slightly too long, but I realise the importance of getting the full story across.

The set was fairly simple but worked very well, as did the lighting and sound. Special mention must go to the band, ably led by Mike Ames. We were treated to most of the famous tunes of the Great War.

Congratulations to the company on the performance. They overcame the challenge of the show with great aplomb. It was a very enjoyable though a very thought provoking evening.

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