A DOUBLE bill of drama is set to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Reflections 1914-18, a collection of sketches and short plays remembering ‘the war to end all wars’, is being staged by members of Faringdon Dramatic Society next month.

It features the satirical, one-act play Lions and Donkeys, by Steve Harper, a funny yet poignant tale about life in the trenches and the ordinary soldier’s search for survival.

Set in September 1918 on the Western Front, Sergeant Tommy Atkins, played by Jeff Barry, and Corporal David Rawlings (Sebastian Allum) receive an unexpected visit from Lieutenant Harry Hargreaves (Austen Roberts) who announces that Tommy is to be awarded a medal for his courage in combat.

So, given that news, why are the two soldiers so keen to see the back of him? The play, which is directed by Gary Field, also features Richard Lock as the character Lt Willie Schmidt.

The other half of the show, featuring the presentation of memories, letters and songs, is directed by Carolyn Taylor.

Adrian Wells and Andy Pritchard portray the war poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon.

The remainder of the cast includes Sebastian Allum as Lt Cecil Slack, Gary Field (Bill), Gary Bates (George), Ellie Hickman (Dora Willatt), Sean Hodgson (Recruiting Officer and Fred), Sandra Keen (Emma), Debbie Lock (Janet), Andy Pritchard (Harold), Helen Thrower (Madge), Leo Thrower (Charlie), Carole Tappenden (Waitress), Alan Taylor (Mr Guiness), Matthew Warner (Simon Willis), Jo Webster (Mrs Susan Owen), Peter Webster (Mr McGregor), Adrian Wells (Singer), and Jeni Summerfield (Singer).

The musical director and pianist is Debra Warner, while the three narrators are Joan Lee, Jeni Summerfield and Carolyn Taylor.

The performances can be seen at Faringdon Junior School in Gloucester Street from Thursday to Saturday, November 6 to 8, with the doors opening at 7pm for 7.30pm.

Tickets which include a light fish and chip supper are £10 each and are available from The Nut Tree, Corn Market, Faringdon, or online at www.faringdondramatic.org.uk. There are no concessions and tickets will not be available on the door.