On Tuesday 26th February, The Wyvern Theatre Company will be showcasing two new plays, under the banner 
of All the Queen's Men, in a one- off performance at Bradford on Tone Village Hall.
Year 12 Performance Studies students from Queen's College who form the Wyvern Theatre Company wrote the pieces themselves as part of their community-based assignment and were inspired by names featured on the Queen's College honours boards.
The AS-level students sourced a variety of historical information and uncovered stories of the heroism of these boys who fought and, in many cases, died for their country in the First World War.
The first play was inspired by a photograph of the 1910/11 Queen's College first eleven football team, with two of these boys, the Rainer brothers (W.W Rainer and A. Rainer), both featuring.
The piece begins on the playing fields of Queen's College after Wellington School received a sound 6-0 thrashing, proving the rivalry between the schools was as alive then as it is now! The play moves onto the trenches in Belgium where the brothers experience the War first-hand.
The second play is inspired by Gilbert Hosegood, who was Head Boy at Queen's College in 1913. As a Christian and pacifist during the First World War, Gilbert faced a moral dilemma – he did not want to fight but, at the same time, he did not want to let down his country. All the Queen's Men explores Gilbert's struggle and his decision to join the ambulance service – one of the units with a notoriously short life expectancy.
The piece is largely concerned with Gilbert's close relationship with his two older brothers, Second Lieutenant Ralph Hosegood and Lieutenant Henry Arnold Hosegood, all of whom gave their lives in the fields of France.
Other historical characters brought to life are Second Lieutenant Harry Leigh Brampton and former Second Master of Queen's College from 1900-1914, Mr E. Shorrocks, who became a Sergeant in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
All the Queen's Men promises to be a moving and emotive evening, which will include images of the old boys and dramatic sound effects.
The poignant connection shared between the past and current students will aid the actors in the dramatic portrayal of these stories.
It is hoped that many Old Queenians, war history-lovers and drama enthusiasts will be able to attend the one-off performance in Bradford on Tone on Tuesday 26th February.
Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions – to reserve call 01823 272559 or email ptc@queenscollege.org.uk.
The White Heart Inn in Bradford on Tone (just across the road from The Village Hall) is pleased to provide Pre-Show suppers and interval drinks – please call 01823 461239 to pre-book.