Plot Summary
Whilst moving out of the house in which she has lived for 80 years, Edith Coleman discovers an old scrapbook from her childhood. The turn of every page rekindles memories of a time when war affected every aspect of her daily life, and these memories are eagerly recounted to the removal people helping her, and to us the audience. (song – Wartime Memories)
Firstly, we find ourselves in the front room of the same house, but at the outbreak of the Second World War. The Coleman family discusses the fact that, although war has been declared, nothing much seems to be actually happening! The only real use that Fred (Edith’s scamp of a younger brother) can find for his gas mask is to make rude noises with it! (song – This Phoney War) However, as the days and weeks progress, Fred and Alice (Edith’s younger sister) find themselves at the train station, bidding an emotional farewell to their family as, along with lots of other children, they are evacuated. (song – Journey On A Train) Edith’s older brother, Sidney, will also be catching a train. He, however, will be travelling abroad to fight for his country, much to the worry of his parents.
The Blitz has ended the phoney war with a bang! As ARP wardens patrol (song – Put That Light Out), local residents gather in the air-raid shelters. We hear of how rationing and those dreaded powdered eggs are the blight of their lives, but also how everyone is pulling together and literally digging for victory! (song – Keep Our Spirits Flying) Women are flocking to the factories and onto the land to keep the nation armed and fed (song – Women At War), and the ‘old boys’ of the Home Guard are doing their bit too, if rather comically, to aid the war effort! (song – We Are The Home Guard)
As the USA enters the war, the young ladies are very excited at the arrival of American soldiers in Britain. At the dancehall we learn that, although popular with the female population, these charming visitors are seen as more of a threat to the local lads than Hitler himself! (song – Hollywood Girls) However, the harsher realities of the war are made apparent as we witness Sidney caught up in the fighting at Arnhem. He and his comrades, fearful for their lives, take a moment to write what could be their last ever letters home. (song – Will You Be There?) Will Sidney make it back, and will the Coleman family be reunited?
With the end of the war and VE celebrations in full swing, we understand that victory has come at a cost. Yet the overwhelming feeling is one of hope, and an appreciation of the enduring spirit that enabled families like Edith’s to triumph over adversity. It is this spirit which is celebrated in a truly uplifting final song, A Land Fit For Heroes.
Yes –
Yes
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Anonymous –
A trip down memory road… I remember this show being performed by my year and all the good song’s when I was at Hampton dene primary school. Brilliant written. “Put that light out” and “a land fit for heroes” are the ones that really stuck for me. I still have a t-shirt, don’t think will fit me anymore. Great show and loved being a part of the show (backstage). Brilliant to see so many others enjoy and have the opportunity to be apart of this. Mr Riddell was a great teacher. Had him for 2 years. I always remember his love for Celtic. Brilliant for KS2 and well written. This will forever be remembered. I would highly recommend this. Enjoyed being apart of it back in year 6.
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shane.kenward78 –
really good play and i really like the songs as well as the play but the play is fantasic
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Anonymous –
AMAZING! Love the songs
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Anonymous –
Its Good
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Anonymous –
great story
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Anonymous –
The best performance we have ever seen. Especially with our favourite students! Certainly would recommend! 10/10!!
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Anonymous –
A fantastic show!!
Very emotional and current, children thoroughly enjoyed performing it, as did the parents viewing it. One of the best plays I’ve directed in a long while!
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Anonymous –
we are doing a play about this i just think it all is just perfect!!!!
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Anonymous –
Beautiful songs
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info@edgyproductions.com –
…what a rip-roaring success the Year5/6 leavers’ performance of Edith’s Wartime Scrapbook was! Everyone said it was the best show ever and I have to agree. When I chose it, I was looking to link our WW2 topic work from this term and what really sold it to me were the fantastic songs. The children loved devising dance moves for the songs. I can’t speak too highly of this show – it is excellent and it really is a very special way for the Year 6s to end their time at Fairhaven Primary. It will live on in the memory – theirs, mine, parents and the school community as a whole.
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info@edgyproductions.com –
Having used your scripts for 7 years I am thrilled with Edith! The story is top class and the music even more so!
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info@edgyproductions.com –
How wonderful to be able to support our WW2 learning with something like this! The children were immersed in it completely and thoroughly loved it!
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info@edgyproductions.com –
I really like these songs they’re catchy!
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info@edgyproductions.com –
OMG I super enjoyed doing this play ( I was billeting officer – wanted to be hollywood girl ) the song are lovely ( especially hollywood girls ! ) and by the time you’ve finished the play , there won’t be a dry-eye in the room!
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info@edgyproductions.com –
Great show last thing to do with my friends a great treasureable moment xx
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info@edgyproductions.com –
Absolutely fantastic script….a real winner!
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info@edgyproductions.com –
My favourite characters were Wally Davies, ARP5, young Alice and removal man 1. best play I’ve done! Archie Aged 9
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info@edgyproductions.com –
Love it!
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