Foreign Fields is a new piece of children’s theatre created by The Play House theatre in education company to mark the centenary of WW1. It uses research by the Archives and Heritage Service at the Library of Birmingham to explore how the war in Europe affected the lives of people in Birmingham.

Based on the experiences of real people and actual events logged in the archive, it tells the story of Brummie Herbert Owens and Belgian refugee Elisa de Haes who work in Hudson’s whistle factory, making the whistles that were used to signal troops to go over the top. When Herbert is conscripted to fight at the front, he has an important decision to make about his future and whether Elisa will be part of it.

For children aged 8-11

The Play House is a respected educational theatre company which was established over 25 years ago and which enjoys a strong local profile.  Each year the company delivers over 1,000 sessions to groups of children and young people and involves nearly 25,000 participants in its activities, largely within Birmingham and the West Midlands.  The Play House provides a dynamic and accessible theatrical resource that brings the curriculum to life and literally presents culture on the doorstep, for teachers and pupils alike.

A FREE event. Places are limited. To book a place please contact: voices@contacts.bham.ac.uk