To the people of Payhembury
(especially those living around the Green)
In September Tale Valley Community Theatre will perform ‘They Dream of Home’, a play written by me about the Village’s and Parish’s involvement in WW1. Some of you will remember the production, Parson Terry’s Dinner, which I created in 2000 which celebrated the turn of the Millennium. It was performed at various sites in the Village and I would like to achieve a similar thing with ‘They Dream of Home’. I would like, therefore, as with Parson Terry, to be able to close sections of the roads to traffic for the play’s 90 minute performance time. The penultimate scene recaptures the awfulness of warfare and life in the trenches, contrasted with the Christmas truce during which German and British troops came out of their trenches and sang carols together before resuming the fighting.
On the Green and surrounding area, for some minutes I would represent the use of shells and guns in the battle by the use of recorded sound effects plus some theatrical pyrotechnics to produce smoke and flashes. Done professionally, this will not be in any way dangerous and I will ensure that it is done by experts and that suitable insurance and emergency services are in place. However, the noise could be disturbing to young children and therefore I am writing this now to let you know that the production (and dress rehearsal) will generate some disruption and noise. I hope that, given the intention to commemorate the men of Payhembury who fought in that awful war, you will be able to cope with the dress rehearsal and performance on September 6th.
I am very happy to discuss this with anyone who wants to know more and also to send the script to people who would like to read it. Please email me at J.W.Somers@ex.ac.uk or telephone 01884 277390. If there is need, I will hold a meeting to discuss things.
I am sure this will be a very moving event. I am also arranging a number of other events such as an evening singing songs from the time, a talk by an historian and presentations by local schools. I also expect to mount an exhibition of local, family memorabilia related to WW1. I would be very grateful for your help in making this performance happen. If you would like to help in any way, please also contact me.
John Somers
