The Last Bantam
Performed and written by Michael Hughes
review by Bookmarks and Stages – Louise Cannon
Bantam’s, not many people know about these soldiers in WW1. The play is a great opportunity to get to really be immersed into their world as the story, based on truth, of 30,000 short men and their war time experiences unfolds. It’s told, by and large, through the eyes of Patrick Michael Wolfe, a teacher from Dublin about this battalion made of British, Irish, Canadian men.
Written and played by Michael Hughes, who engages, even with no set, just a stage. He paints a vivid picture in his dramatic descriptions as he tries to join the war effort, but is found to be too short and ends up joining the Bantams. There’s a bit of frivolity and even a song, bringing a bit of humour in the beginning before the intensities of real war well and truly breaks out.
He embodies The Last Bantam and brings believability and immense attention to detail, from army type mannerisms, right down to the replica costume, even the watch, which I had the privilege of a close up look at. What’s demonstrated in the play, in a highly watchable manner, is a great understanding of the bantams, the preparation they had to do, right down to the store rooms, the attitudes towards them and how they played more of a vital part than people would know in the first world war. The play brings their experiences to life in an engaging manner from start to finish.
To see this impassioned play, check out details here: The Last Bantam
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 