Journey's End at the Everyman theatre (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Journey's End at the Everyman theatre

FOLLOWING phenomenal success in the West End, the 75th anniversary production of R C Sherriff's Journey's End continues on an 18-week national tour by coming to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from May 9-14.

Set in 1918, in the British trenches at St Quentin, a company of officers prepare for a daring raid across No Man's Land, in advance of the long-awaited German offensive - a day that claimed the lives of 38,000 men.

Described when it opened as 'the play that changed the world,' Journey's End brings one of the theatre's up-and-coming stars back to his hometown.

Edward Fulton, who plays one of the young men waiting to face his destiny, was born in Cheltenham and was a pupil at Cheltenham College. His mother's family still live in the town.

This compelling play, based on the author's own experience of the Front and life in the trenches, shows humour and courage in the face of certain tragedy.

It remains an important reminder of the horrors of war and the real, unromanticised heroes who fought it.

The role of Stanhope, the young captain promoted beyond his years, who is preparing his men for the raid, is played by John Elmes who comes direct from the West End production where he played the Colonel and understudied the role of Osborne.

The play is directed by David Grindley, whose London productions include Abigail's Party, The Real Inspector Hound and Excuses.

His next project is National Anthems, part of the Kevin Spacey season at The Old Vic.

Tickets from the box office on 01242 572573 or www.everymantheatre.org.uk