WWI Theatre Production

On the 3rd of September 2014 Clyde Valley English and History students enjoyed Quantum Theatre’s production of ‘Your Country Needs You’. Pupils were entertained, as well as informed, about the First World War, from the causes of the war and recruitment, to trench life and the home front. S3 and S4 History students are in the midst of studying this topic and the actors energetically reinforced what they had learned in lessons. The pupils, particularly those in S5 and S6 who had been to the battlefields in France and Belgium, joined in the singing of World War I songs such as ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ and ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’. English students will be examining World War I poetry in the coming months and the actors also incorporated some of these in their performance. Although a very serious topic, the actors managed to inject some humour and audience participation, along with some moments of poignancy to a very appreciative audience.