Synopsis
It's 1994 and the residents of SunnySide care home, a quiet residential home for the elderly, are going about their mundane routine, overseen by the anally-retentive manager, Mr Maybrick. Their invisible existence has become an accepted way of life until one day a letter arrives and a dramatic discovery prompts seven World War 2 veterans to reflect on their lives and their value as human beings.
As the 50th anniversary of D-Day approaches, these unsung heroes decide to journey to the beaches of Normandy one last time. However, disaster strikes in the form of a newly appointed nurse whose strict methods soon make the residents feel like they are prisoners of war. Consequently, they must plan their greatest escape yet... to go behind enemy lines and spring themselves from the home.
There's the formidable serial knitter Betty, an ex-Ministry Of War secretary; wheelchair-bound Brian, a former spitfire pilot; the flamboyant Ron and the forever-sleeping Sid, two ex-prisoners of the infamous Colditz; the mysterious Bletchley code breaker, Flo; and two heroes of the D-Day landings: wide boy wheeler-dealer Reg, and the secretive and withdrawn, Bill.
Join them on an unforgettable adventure of honour, love, loss, official secrets, balaclavas, biscuits and Ninja Turtles in this poignant, yet funny, play, inspired by the true story of Bernard Jordan.
“You’re never too old to be a superhero……..” |
Characters
Two versions are available - one (smaller) with no child actors, and another (larger) with child actors
|
Principals (smaller: 6m, 5f) OR (larger: 6m, 6f)
- Brian Eddowes - a former pilot who lost his legs in the war. He is confined to a wheelchair and is obsessed with making model aeroplanes.
- Bill Kelly - a former private who stormed the beach at Normandy. He is sullen except when talking to Annie.
- Reg Stryde - a former motorcyclist who stormed the beach at Normandy on D day. He is the joker of the pack and a bit of a cockney wide-boy. His nephew Neville regularly gives him 'gifts'
- Ron Nichols - a former prisoner of war in Colditz. He led the theatrical group whilst a prisoner and went on to have a career in the theatre after the war. Flamboyant! Deaf in his right ear.
- Sid Chapman - a former prisoner of war in Colditz with Ron. He forged documents for escaping prisoners. In and out of prison post war. Deaf in his left ear.
- Flo Cooper - worked at Bletchley Park and in many more operations, post war. Clever and articulate.
- Betty Mills - worked on diversionary operations during the war. Warm and kind hearted. She is continually knitting.
- Mr Maybrick - The manager of the nursing home. Efficient! Not good with people and terribly awkward.
- Nurse Abaline - she is caring and approachable aged approximately thrity. The residents love her. She is married to Stephen who is fighting in Iraq.
- Nurse Brown - too efficient! Runs the home like a POW camp. Ample bosom, if possible. Must be able to tie her hair into a long ponytail (or wear a suitable wig).
- Annie - relative of Bills. In her late twenties. She is kind-hearted, warm and generous. She wears clothes reminiscent of the 1940’s.
- Sarah Drew - Betty's grand-daughter. Constantly hassled and overcome with what she has to achieve on a daily basis. (Not in the Small Cast Version)
Support (smaller: 1m/f) OR (larger: 1m/f, 2m junior, 1f junior)
- Katy Drew - Sarah's daughter, approximately nine years old (not in the Small Cast Version)
- Henry Drew - Sarah's son, approximately seven years old (not in the Small Cast Version)
- Tommy - Annie’s son, approximately seven years old (Not in the Small Cast Version)
- Soldier - a member of the modern army (doubles with ‘Reels On Wheels’ Person in the Small Cast Version) (m/f)
|
|