The day of the performance itself began with a dry run,
before the big shows at 2:00pm & 4:00pm. Nerves were kicking in, for me and
the other members, but one thing is for sure, we were going to seize the moment
and grab this opportunity with both hands!
After the final practices had been done, we moved to the
Foyer where the performance began. World War I music began as the boys
descended down the stairs, imitating a group of young lads from the war era,
who were getting ready to sign up.
Minutes later, a very attractive looking lady by the name of
Frankie comes down the stairs, with a man on her arm, much to the delight of
these young boys, who erupt in cheers!
The lads were then asked to sign up for the army as their
country needed them and it was a duty that was expected. As they signed up they
were given the kings shilling, congratulated, and made their way back into the
line. The audience were then asked to line up, as if they were signing up too (actually
giving the boys a chance to assemble in the car park!) and then they were led out.
In the Thorp Street car park, (the old Drill Hall site), each
spectator was handed an ID card with a boy’s details on - we had to find him,
hand him a good luck charm, and say our final goodbyes.
Once every boy had been found and families had said their
farewells, the boys made a line and marched back into the Hippodrome’s Patrick Centre
studio to prepare for war. The audience followed
them and upon arrival, saw the soldiers being instructed by the Sergeant, and
then writing letters to their loved ones.
To lighten the sombre mood, the lads put on an entertainment
show which featured a magician, jugglers & tap dancers, much to the delight
of the audience.
As the war began, all non combatants were asked to leave the
theatre of war and escorted back to the foyer, where they saw the lads come
back from the War injured.
The performance received rave reviews from the audiences,
which delighted all those involved.
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