Bullets and Daffodils - The Wilfred Owen Story is returning to Cheshire from the West End, where it enjoyed a sell-out run in January.
This new production at Frodsham Community Centre on Friday, October 2 marks the centenary of war poet Wilfred Owen’s enlistment into the nearby Manchester Regiment in 1915.
The piece represents a passionate tribute in song and spoken word.
Dean Johnson has set many of Owen’s greatest poems to music, and tells the story of the doomed poet’s life from his childhood in Birkenhead to his death in the trenches.
Owen has strong local links with Cheshire. He visited numerous times during his childhood and even composed his first ever poem here.
He famously wrote to his mother saying: “It was in Cheshire on the hill that my poethood was born.”
The script contains contributions from TV writer David Quantick (The Thick Of It, Grumpy Old Men). The production was originally directed by much-loved actor Christopher Timothy (known for his role as James Herriott in All Creatures Great and Small).
Executive producer and guest ‘recorded’ narrator Mark Reed is the son of actor Oliver Reed. His voice bears a striking resemblance to that of his famous father.
Musical director for the show is Greg Williams, who waves his baton for the Heswall and Port Sunlight Opera Society in Wirral.
The show’s writer Dean Johnson said: “We are proud to bringing the show to Frodsham to be part of their commemorations of the centenary of World War One.
“I am sure like every town and village the brave men of Frodsham fought and died in the trenches and the community wishes to remember their sacrifice today.”
The production of the Wilfred Owen Story has been made possible by Frodsham Town Council.
It takes place at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 7.30pm. Doors will be open from 6.30pm for refreshments. Tickets, available from Frodsham Town Council on 01928 735150, will be £7.50 for adults and £4 for children.
