Sunderland Winter Gardens will soon be hosting a very special play to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the Armistice.
The Muddy Choir tells the story of three working-class Sunderland soldiers who are serving with the Durham Light Infantry in the conflict.
The trio of soldiers – Robbie, Jumbo and Will – are all gifted singers and they use their talents to try to cope with the horrors of war.
After swearing an oath to each other – ‘nee killing, anly singing’ – the three set about forming a choir in the trenches.
They hope that by impressing their officers with their musical abilities they might get transferred away from the front. But they soon realise their efforts may put them in even more danger than having to face bullets and poison gas.
The play will feature authentic north-east folk songs from the time of World War One. And even more regional authenticity will be added by the fact that two of the show’s stars – Chris Coxon (Robbie) and Ben Walford (Jumbo) – come from nearby Consett in County Durham.
Chris Coxon also attended the Gala Theatre Stage School in Durham City.
Written by Jesse Briton, The Muddy Choir has especially proved a hit with younger theatregoers and was nominated for the Best Play for Young Audiences prize as part of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards.
The Muddy Choir will be staged at 11.30 am on Saturday 3rd November 2018 at Sunderland City Library, Museum and Winter Gardens.
Tickets are priced at £5.00 and can be purchased online in advance at www.ticketsource.co.uk. Tickets can also be bought on the door on the day of the play.
Playgoers should note that The Muddy Choir contains flashes and sudden loud noises.
(The featured image is courtesy of Sarah London.)
