This moving play by C. P. Taylor is set in the north or England

WARTIME memories will be evoked as C.P Taylor’s moving play And A Nightingale Sang opens at The Bridge in Milford.

The show is directed by Wendy Mason and features a cast of local performers who have joined forces to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. And A Nightingale Sang was first staged in 1977 by Live Theatre in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, with its title inspired by the popular wartime song sung by Vera Lynn called A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.

It follows the story of a family trying their best to get on with their lives as the bombs fall around them. Hailed as a bittersweet comedy, the play has been frequently produced both in Britain and the US. In 1989 it was also made into a film starring Joan Plowright, Phyllis Logan, John Woodvine, Stephen Tompkinson and Tom Watt.

Show spokesperson Chrissy King said: “This gem of a play set in the north of England, traces the lives of a working class family throughout the six-year period of the war, evoking telling glimpses of small lives eked out on the edge of momentous events.

“It is gentle, funny, sad and joyous in equal measure. It also provides music and song, hopefully allowing audiences to enjoy, remember and maybe even participate!”

Chrissy continued: “We hope to immerse you in this time warp, by providing not just a special play, but indeed an experience out with the play, to pay homage to those who had their lives cut short so we can enjoy the extended freedoms we do today.”

Audience members are invited to join the cast in donning 1940’s outfits for the afternoon or evening. And a Nightingale Sang will be at The Bridge Milford from 29th May to 1st June. Tickets are £16. To book visit https://thebridgemos.org.uk