Harlequin Players will Remember Them

'Remember Them' has been researched and written by brother and sister team Stuart Oakes and Susan Cowley to commemorate the centenary of the Great War.

Harlequin Players will perform the play at their theatre in Queen Street between October 21 and 25.

The story opens in the heady atmosphere of a crowded drill hall at the start of the recruitment drive of 1914.

Five friends are swept up in the fervour of the campaign and all but one eagerly volunteer to fight, although reluctant Bill Gibson, the youngest of the group, is soon convinced to sign up by his friends.

The play follows their story into the heart of conflict and its impact decades afterwards.

Director Angela Byron said: "This is a brand new play, which is what makes it quite unique.

"This is a really big event and I really feel that the people of Northwich and the people of Cheshire will embrace it.

"We're not pulling any punches and it's all historically correct."

Thanks to grants from Northwich Town Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council, Harlequin Players have been able to have accurate uniforms and replica First World War guns made for the performance.

"We've even managed to get the Cheshire badges made," Angela said.

"And the guns are so good that the police have said we've got to lock them up."

A cast of 25 actors ranging in age from 16 to 78 will take to the stage and the set will include authentic trenches designed by Gordon Hamlyn, who has won awards for his set design.

Northwich Folk Club has recorded the evocative music to be used throughout the performance.

Each programme will also contain the name of a Cheshire solider who lost his life in the First World War.

The first night, on October 21, is a fundraiser for Davenham Scouts and will also include a question and answer session with the Players following the play.

Performances are at 7.45pm.

For tickets, priced £10 or £9 for students, ring 01606 246831 or visit harlequinplayers.com.