“There is only one football champion in Scotland, and its colours are maroon and khaki”
It’s 1914. One of the bloodiest conflicts the world has seen – described at the time as the ‘war to end all wars’ – breaks out in Europe. In Scotland, football continues and is seen by many as a welcome distraction from the horrors of war in Europe. However, there are many who feel those playing football should be turning their attention to more serious matters on foreign shores.
At the top of the Scottish First Division sit Heart of Midlothian FC. They have won 19 of 21 matches and it seems no one can stop Edinburgh’s finest football club becoming Scottish league champions. Then, one of the Hearts players says he is going to volunteer to serve his country – conscription wasn’t introduced until 1916. Thirteen of the Hearts players would volunteer to serve together in Sir George McCrae’s Battalion destined to fight in France. They were joined by Hearts supporters and players and supporters of other clubs after a rallying call at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
A War of Two Halves – written by Paul Beeson and Tim Barrow – is the story of these young Hearts players; an evocative and dramatic journey through Tynecastle Park led by the players/soldiers in a unique site-specific performance.
Following a hugely success run of performances at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe in August, the play returns to Tynecastle Park in the lead-up to Armistice Day. Having seen the performance during the summer I highly recommend you go and see it. I left with a lump in my throat and a tremendous sense of pride. Seeing it in November will only increase the already high emotion felt.
Featuring a cast of brilliant young Scottish actors – who are surely bound for success on the big stage – A War of Two Halves is directed by Bruce Strachan, Artistic Director of Nonsense Room Productions.
Strachan says of the returning play: “We are greatly honoured to be returning to Tynecastle Park with this iconic story that is absolutely synonymous with Edinburgh and Heart of Midlothian Football Club. With November 2018 marking 100 years since the signing of the Armistice, it is a poignant time to share the remarkable story of “the bravest team”. Hearts fans will have heard of McCrae’s Battalion – this is another chance to really understand their story. For a wider audience, the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes view of a football stadium in a dramatic retelling of historical events will be a truly unique theatre experience.”
Lianne Parry, Head of Heritage, Heart of Midlothian Football Club welcomed the return of the play and its audiences to Tynecastle Park:
“We are delighted to be welcoming back the cast of ‘A War of Two Halves’ to Tynecastle Park in November, following the incredible success of the show during the Fringe Festival. The run of the play dovetails perfectly with a series of commemorative events being planned by the Club during the run up to, and on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who lost their lives during the conflict. Supporters, players and staff all saw the show take on particular poignancy as it comes to life in the very ground the team left in 1914, with action taking place throughout the stadium. Sensitively told and beautifully arranged, this is a unique performance that everyone should experience.”
A War of Two Halves plays at Tynecastle Park from Friday 2nd November to Sunday 11th November 2018, with numerous shows each day (not Mon 5th or Sat 10th). The production is suitable for ages 12 and upwards. Fans of all football clubs are welcome.
Tickets here:
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
