The Muddy Choir

“Nee killing, anly singing, and we all go home together”.

It is November 1917 and the Third Battle of Ypres is lurching towards its bloody conclusion. Young soldiers Will, Robbie and Jumbo are thrust into a landscape starkly different to the playing fields and estates of their Sunderland home.

United by their childhood oath “nee killing, anly singing”, Robbie dreams their music will be a ticket away from the front, but attracting the attention of their commanding officers may prove more dangerous than bullets and gas.

Nominated for “Best Play for Young Audiences” at the Writers Guild of Great Britain Awards 2015, The Muddy Choir tells the story of three soldiers serving with the Durham Light Infantry. Including traditional wartime songs, it is a play about childhood friends growing up in unbearable circumstances and the humanising power of music.

The longest established touring company in the UK, Theatre Centre bring high quality artistic experiences to children and young people across the country, no matter their circumstances.

Jesse Briton is a multi-award winning actor, writer and director. He has founded three companies that he continues to make work through: Bear Trap, the Jones Collective and Wassail. His work for theatre includes: Derailed (HOME, Manchester); Hiraeth (UK and NZ tour); Enduring Song (Southwark Playhouse); and Bound (UK and Australian tour; Southwark Playhouse).

Reviews for The Muddy Choir (2014 - 15)

★★★★ "Well-pitched for teenagers, this is a sensitive memorial to a generation of young men." – The Stage

★★★★ “Thought-provoking, blackly funny and deeply moving – in fact exactly how a play about the First World War ought to be written.” – Public Reviews

 “A truly gripping take on three ordinary mates thrown out in the open, with only their passion of singing not killing keeping them descending from the gore and insanity of the war.” – Year 11 Student

“I would consider Theatre Centre's professionalism second to none... they did an excellent job of creating a different world. Most impressive.” – Drama Teacher

Thursday 11th October 2018 at 7.30pm

Tickets - £10, £8

This Production supported by 'Owbeon

Show dates: 11/10/2018 - 11/10/2018

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