Clun drama brings 1914 to life with eye masks and real events
CADS will recreate a day in Clun in August 1914 using real people, places and events in an unusual immersive performance
An unusual drama will invite audiences to put on eye masks and experience a day in Clun as it was on August 18, 1914.
Under Black Hill, an original ‘radio’ play by Clun Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS), uses sound and action taking place around the audience to recreate life in the town just days after the outbreak of the First World War.
The performance has been meticulously researched by CADS and is based on actual events, places and people from Clun.
The audience will be positioned at the top of Church Street, looking towards the bridge, with scenes unfolding around them.
They will hear about the Six Bells Inn and the mystery surrounding its burning down several months after its licence was revoked.
Nearby is Tom Kinsey’s cobbler’s cottage, while across the bridge is William Whitefoot’s shop, where wimberries were collected before being sent to Lancashire factories to dye uniforms for sailors heading to war.
Elsewhere in the town, the new electricity generator is about to transform street lighting, while market traders in the Market Square are selling porcelain brought directly from China.
The play also explores events at the Temperance Hall, where local clergy are celebrating the return of the church bells after they were recast in London, and asks why Rev. Pearce was not invited.
Under Black Hill will be performed at 7.30pm on Friday, September 18, at St George’s Church, Clun.
Admission is free, with donations to the church funds welcomed.
For more information, email: [email protected].