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Life at The Little Theatre: The Lilies are ready - don't miss out!

The latest news from Southport's Little Theatre

Georgina Highcock

InYourArea Community, Georgina Highcock

— 2 min read
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Life at The Little Theatre: The Lilies are ready - don't miss out!

HERE WE GO: The fabulous cast members of Lilies of the Land are ready for opening night!

By Jennifer Corcoran and Andrew Sloman

Our annual bar production, Lilies of the Land is on this week. Running from Tuesday 13th – Saturday 17th June, our fabulous four (five, if you count our hard working swing!) will tell the tales of the women who served during the second world war.

The Women’s Land Army (WLA) had originally been formed towards the end of the first world war, in 1917 and was disbanded in 1918. It reformed in June 1939.  Initially those who signed up were volunteers, but by 1941 they could be conscripted.

The work was essential, not only to replace the agricultural endeavours of the men who were eligible to serve in the war, but also to ensure there was enough food to feed those they left behind. In peace time, Britain had imported much of its food, but this was not so easy during hostilities.

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At its peak in 1944, there were more than 80,000 women serving in the WLA. Around a third of them came from cities, and had little to no experience of the countryside or farming. The recruitment poster drew them in.

BOOK NOW: This poignant, but uplifting show is not to be missed and the limited tickets are selling fast

Our Lilies describe a girl, head held high, golden hair, smiling and proud – and wielding a pitchfork! This seemed like a healthy and hearty adventure. The women had no idea where they would be sent; some were posted locally whereas others travelled further from home.

The tasks they undertook were many and varied; from dairy work, to rat catching, to horticultural maintenance at venues such as Kew Gardens. They worked alongside men who could not serve, but were paid less than them.

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As the war went on, they also worked alongside prisoners of war. The women who inspired this show told many varied tales of such experiences, and you can see them all come to life in our intimate bar theatre.

In 1942, a special branch (pun intended) was set up called the Women’s Timber Corps. The Lumber Jills became skilled in selecting and sawing various wood sources for pit proms, telegraph poles and more besides.

This poignant, but uplifting show is not to be missed and the limited tickets are selling fast.

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To book yours – go to the Little Theatre Southport website , or visit the box office in person/ ring 01704 530521 between 11am to 1pm – and from 6pm to curtain up on show nights.

For more information about Southport Dramatic Club, visit our website. For updates, competitions and more follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

The Little Theatre is at Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside.

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