NOSTALGIC WAR DRAMA LOCAL WRITER’S HOMETOWN DEBUT
returning men were maltreated but how ultimately it was his generation that forced through the foundations of the Welfare State.
It’s not a typical wartime drama but more of a reflective piece. “My character Tommy was, like thousands of others, just an ordinary man who lived through an extraordinary experience.”
The play follows him from the excitement of joining up to his mid-life wondering whether it was all worth it to older age and acceptance and resolution recognising that his and others’ war efforts were what helped form Britain to what it is today. “There’s plenty of social commentary,” Peter explains “and it is a moving story but with elements of humour too.”
Herefordshire actor, author and playwright Peter Gill brings his one man, First World War play 'Meet Tommy Atkins' for the first time to his hometown of Ross-on-Wye this month.
First written and performed in 2014, Peter has been touring the play throughout the UK in theatres and schools ever since (with the obvious exception of the Covid-19 lockdowns) and last year published the novel based on the play.
Peter, who moved to Ross just over a year ago, has a deep interest in the First World War and is passionate in ensuring that people remember not just the men that were lost on the battlefields but also the men that survived and returned to Britain expected to 'carry on' their lives as normal. These men became the architects of 20th century Britain and the fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers of many of us who live here today.
“I’ve had a keen interest in World War I for about 20 years now following a coach trip to the French battle fields,” he says. “It was a really moving experience and I just got bitten but the war bug.”
His play ‘Meet Tommy Atkins’ takes the audience not just through Tommy’s war, but also his life back home in Britain post war. We learn of his experiences in the trenches – fighting on the Somme, at Passchendaele and Loos, and also of the boredom, the loss and indeed the comradeship.
Coming home to Britain, Tommy shows us how a generation of MEET TOMMY ATKINS
See the play at the Phoenix Theatre, St Mary's Street, Ross-on-Wye on Saturday, October 1 - 7.30pm. This is a moving performance that is also filled with warmth and humour, suitable for all ages.
Tickets are available from the box office on 01989 564570 or or
www.ticketsource.co.uk/thephoenixtheatre priced £10. For other Peter Gill shows visit
www.petegill.org.uk
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
Writing plays isn’t the only string to Peter’s bow and his primary career is a musician performing in other self-produced shows as well as supporting other artists. His wide-ranging repertoire includes appearances as the first wild man of rock and roll Jerry Lee Lewis, performing the wit and songs of Noel Coward and providing musical support to celebrated signer Anita Harris. He is also involved in various bands and musical combos performing the length and breadth of Britain and his Peter Gill’s Rock Schools are a nationally recognised and established brand creating exciting and inspiring workshops for young aspiring musicians.
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ENTERTAINMENT PE T ER GI L L
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