Coinciding with the centenary of the end of World War I, a rare London production of Billy Bishop Goes to War heads to Jermyn Street Theatre at the end of the month, care of Proud Haddock and director Jimmy Walters. Did you know a 2010 film version exists of this story based on a real-life Canadian war hero? Get excited for the new stage two-hander by watching the trailer for the film...
In 1914, Billy Bishop, aged only 20, signed up to fight in the Great War. A failing and bullied student, he overcame intense prejudice and astonishing danger to receive his wings and become the top fighter pilot. Through a combination of bravery and sheer luck, Billy was able to find his place and prove his worth. He became a true Canadian hero.
Brought to life with songs of the period and written by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson, Billy Bishop Goes to War vividly transports the audience across the landscape of World War I, from the thick mud of No Man’s Land to the drawing rooms of the British aristocracy.
The new stage production of Billy Bishop Goes to War, helmed by Proud Haddock artistic director Jimmy Walters, stars Charles Aitken as Billy Bishop with Oliver Beamish as the Older Billy Bishop. Beamish will also provide the piano and musical accompaniment, and between the two, they will play a further 17 parts as they recount this extraordinary tale.
Billy Bishop Goes to War runs from 31 October to 24 November 2018 at Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6ST. Performances run Mondays to Fridays at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinees at 3.30pm. Tickets are priced £10-£30. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!
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