Fresh from its premier at Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre, the brand new Irish musical drama ‘Letters From The Front’, written by Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessy will play the O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin 1, from November 21st - 24th starring the award winning West End leading lady, Rebecca Storm and a cast of thirty five.
Set during World War 1, ‘Letters From The Front’ is the new Irish musical that has everyone talking since it debuted earlier this year. The new musical tells the emotional tales of three families, caught up in the turmoil of WW1. This is a story of young love and sacrifice when Irish couple, Willie and Eileen’s circumstances force them to separate when Willie is sent to fight for the British military stationed at the Western Front. The only communication keeping the couple's connection alive is through the heart-felt letters they exchange.
‘Letters From The Front’ features a stunning orchestral music score and beautiful original songs that underpin the raw emotions of the characters as they navigate the turbulent waters of the Great War. From haunting melodies that speak to the depths of despair, to uplifting songs that celebrate the strength of the characters, inspired by and based on real letters that were written by soldiers and family members throughout the years 1914-1918, the music of ‘Letters from the Front’ will resonate deeply with audiences. Beginning life as ‘A Silent Night’ a 30-minute presentation during the Kilkenny Yuletide Festival in 2018, the theme of the story is inspired by true life letters written to and by soldiers on the front-line during WWI.
Creators Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessey said today, as tickets went on sale, “The reaction ‘Letters from the Front’ got in Kilkenny back in March made us believe that there is an audience for these stories. Many of our cast including Rebecca herself have family links to WWI and we were unaware of the scale of Irish participation in WWI (over 200,000 Irish men served in the British military with 35,000 losing their lives) until we started writing the musical”. Ollie who is responsible for the music added “one of the most iconic songs of WWI is ‘It’s a long way from Tipperary’ recorded by one of Irelands best known tenors John Mc Cormack so there is a real connection between this horrendous part of world history and our country. Having someone with such exceptional theatre experience as Rebecca agreeing to come on board makes us believe we have something special in this piece of musical theatre”.
Adding to the excitement of the musical rolling into the capital, West End leading lady Rebecca Storm joins the cast of ‘Letters from the Front’ for the Dublin dates. Having performed in major productions such as Calendar Girls the Musical, Evita, Les Misérables and Blood Brothers, Rebecca is sure to bring her extraordinary talent and captivating presence, which will undoubtedly elevate this production to new heights, promising audiences a truly unforgettable show.
Rebecca said today, “I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of 'Letters from the Front' and to bring this incredible story to Dublin for the very first time. It's a powerful and moving piece of musical theatre. I actually have the letters written by my great grandfather who fought at the Battle of the Somme, so these four performances in such an intimate Dublin venue will be very special not only for me but also the other cast members many who like me have ancestors who fought in WWI.”
Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to witness this turbulent journey through a rocky chapter in history. ‘Letters from the Front’ is a must-see for theatregoers and history buffs alike.
Tickets are on sale now from www.gr8events.ie/lettersTickets are priced at €34 and €30 for OAP/students
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