It's Walsall's first open-air community play and its producers are promising an hour-and-a-half of lights, music, dance and action - "a once in a lifetime experience!".
 | | Walsall's War graphic |
Sixty years since the end of World War II, ‘Walsall’s War’ is the dramatised story of the people of Walsall who lived through and took part in the conflict. The cast has now been chosen and will include dance troupes and musicians as well as local actors. Over 100 local people, young and old will take part in the show. Walsall’s Local History Centre, Local History Museum, libraries, Music Support Services, Events Team and the Community Arts Team are all working together with professional theatre companies Round Midnight and Urban Voice to create the play. Rehearsals begin at the end of July. Walsall playwright, storyteller and poet, David Calcutt, wrote ‘Walsall’s War’ after doing extensive research. “It’s based on the stories of local people, the ordinary people of Walsall.” he commented.
 | | Playwright David Calcutt |
“The research was a joy to do, I had an excellent reaction from everyone I contacted. “The play centres around ‘Ma’ who runs the local pub, The Old Cow.” The plot that weaves in and around The Old Cow includes the bombing and the evacuation of the town and a couple of ‘black market’ characters. “It’s about Walsall’s life story.” said David. “Walsall's changing, developing. Now’s the time to celebrate the people of Walsall and how they came through the hardships of that period. “I’m hoping the whole town will come out in September to watch ‘Walsall’s War’.” MORE INFORMATION 'Walsall’s War' by David Calcutt - at the Walsall Arboretum Extension on the 8th, 9th & 10th September 2005, 8pm. Box office: (01922) 650300 Website: http://www.walsall.gov.uk/leisure/war/ | 
