Young people to remember First World War sacrifice in major theatre performance

Published Monday, 24th September 2018

Children from primary schools in Hartlepool are learning about the First World War as they prepare to take part in a gala of youth remembrance to mark the hundredth anniversary of the 1918 armistice.

Called ‘Honoured’, the performance is on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 October in the Borough Hall on the Headland from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Almost 200 local pupils will be joining local veterans, members of the cadet forces and professional actors in a cast of over 300 in the event, which will combine theatre with specially written music and songs.

Honoured Project

Pupils at Hartlepool’s Barnard Grove and Grange primary schools are put through their paces as they rehearse for the performance. Enter CIC has taken part in previous commemorations, including the Festival of Remembrance in Durham Cathedral (right).

The show is the creation of Enter CIC, a County Durham-based professional theatre company and social enterprise which has extensive experience of working with primary schools to help children build their skills and develop as positive and proactive members of society.

Previous Enter CIC projects on the First World War have seen young people from the region perform in the Festival of Remembrance in Durham Cathedral and in commemorations at historic sites in Belgium, including the Menin Gate and the Cloth Hall at Ypres.

Over the past couple of months Enter CIC has been carrying out First World War-related workshops with 1,500 pupils from Hartlepool’s primary schools, and from those a total of almost 200 children – from the Barnard Grove, Brougham, Eldon Grove, Grange, Sacred Heart, St Helen’s, St John Vianney, St Joseph’s and West View primary schools - have been chosen to take part in the performance.

Over the coming weeks, Enter CIC is working with Hartlepool veterans and cadets to help the children to explore and develop themes relating to the war, including the impact on the servicemen’s families and the famous role of Hartlepool’s Heugh Battery. The youngsters are also hard at work developing and learning their roles and songs for the performance.

Andrea Flynn, Enter CIC Director, said: “There is a saying that ‘If we don’t remember, we will inevitably repeat’, and in this centenary year of the armistice, it has never been more important for young people to understand the impact and legacy of the First World War and the importance of continuing that remembrance.

“’Honoured’ is not only a reference to the honours bestowed on the brave servicemen and women of our Armed Forces, it also refers to the honour bestowed on future generations to carry the torch of remembrance into the future.

“This project enables the children of Hartlepool to connect with the legacy of their past and is a marvellous way for schools and the wider community to come together in a unique event to help young people rediscover remembrance in a meaningful way.”

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “The carnage and loss of the First World War shattered families and cast a massive shadow over subsequent generations.

“It is vital for our young people to fully understand the sacrifices which were made and to carry that knowledge forward to share with future generations. 

“We are delighted to be working with Enter CIC and our schools and the wider community on this innovative, powerful and poignant project and I very much hope that residents across the town will come along to the performance and support the young people.” 

Tickets for the two performances are now on sale priced £15 each and are available at www.destinationhartlepool.com or from the Box Office on 01429 890000 or Hartlepool Art Gallery and Tourist Information Centre in Church Square (open Tuesdays to Fridays 10am-4.30pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm).