It’s 1994 and the 50th Anniversary of the D-Day landings looms. Tommy, Alf and Edwin are incarcerated in Coldrick Nursing Home. In spite of his ever worsening heart condition, D-Day veteran, Tommy, is determined to break out and rejoin his old comrades on the Normandy Beaches and salute the fallen. The friends conspire to escape and, in action that takes them from dining room to Belgian port, to French village and cemetery, they chat, they reminisce, they tease and support each other in this heart-warming tale.
I first came across this play when it was performed by a stellar cast at the Top Room of the Swan in Dobcross. Alan Stockdill, the playwright, has a genius for warmhearted, humorous characters, pared down settings and stories that will both entertain you and leave you with a lump in your throat.
Verity Mann, Director
Saddleworth Players will perform La Grand Return at the Millgate Arts Centre from 1 – 8 February. Tickets available from the Millgate website (millgateartscentre.co.uk) or by telephoning the Box Office on 01457 874644, Tuesdays 2pm–5pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm–7pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30am–1pm.