Birmingham History Theatre Group
The Society set up the Birmingham History Theatre Group following the acclaim and success for last year’s “Sweet Freedom” production. Our varied repertoire has focused upon working class life in the Balsall Heath during the 19th and 20th centuries. Our first production was a light hearted look at the Lunar Society, whose contribution to the industrial revolution and Birmingham’s growth is unrivalled.
Birmingham History Theatre Group Annual Report 2009-2010
The first meeting of the newly formed Birmingham History Theatre Group took place at St Paul’s Venture on May 20th 2009. Many of the cast from the previous year’s “Sweet Freedom” were present, together with several new members, who are still with us more than a year later!
It was decided to start work on a new play based around the meetings of the “Lunar Society” to link in with the current Matthew Boulton Bi-centenary. The new play was to be a humorous murder mystery with several songs. Improvisations started immediately around some of the proposed scenario’s and these were used to inform the writing of the play which was led by Val Hart. Anita Halliday quickly provided excellent lyrics for several songs and Peter Churchill was asked to set these to music.
While this was taking place it was also decided that the group should organise a “Lunar Walk” along the canals from Bordesley (almost the home of Joseph Priestley) to Soho House - the actual home of Matthew Boulton. This was to be used to publicise the new play, now titled “Eclipsed: the dark side of the Lunar Society” as well as to try out some of the characters and themes of the play. Rehearsals of suitable canal songs soon began in earnest, the walk was tried out by a small intrepid group, and plans and publicity were put in place for Sunday June 7th.
On the day the great British weather did its worse and, due to the possibility of waterlogged musical instruments, the walk was postponed. However, though it was delayed by the Summer holidays the “Lunar Walk” was finally a triumphant success in September, with many followers completing the whole journey and everyone having a very enjoyable day.
“Eclipsed” was completed and rehearsals began in September with proposed performance dates at the end of November. This proved to be a bit optimistic and due to a variety of circumstances we were forced to reschedule the play twice unfortunately missing the bi-centenary celebrations. Undeterred the cast and supporters laboured on and “Eclipsed finally saw the light of day for four performances in May 2010, almost a year after our initial meeting. The hard work was worth it and much praise has been received from the audiences with the songs and fantastically dexterous accompaniments from Peter Churchill receiving especial commendations.
Having survived for a year intact and having gained both confidence and experience the Theatre group is now looking forward to new challenges and triumphs in the coming year.
Richard Albutt (Chair)
Eclipsed: The dark side of the Lunar Society
Our current production is about the Lunar Society. One night at Soho House Matthew Boulton awaits the arrival of fellow members James Watt, William Withering, William Murdoch, Erasmus Darwin and Joseph Priestley for dinner and a series of talks and experiments. Special guest from France is Monsieur Guillotine, keen to learn anything of value. But events take a series of unexpected turns for all those staying in the house. The play was performed at St Paul's four times over May 20th - May 22nd 2010.
Darwin explains it is "perfectly safe"
Sweet Freedom
Sweet Freedom is available to be booked for touring in small venues. Highly popular and suitable for anywhere from schools to sheltered accommodation.
Didn't We Have a Lovely Time
Do you remember those lovely days of outings in the past? Sunday School outings, family holidays picking hops and Works outings to the seaside. Join in the fun for a trip to the past!
Brown Paper & Goose Grease
How did we all deal with sickness and ill health in the days before the National Health Service? We take you to a fever hospital in 1914, a scene of sickness at home in the 1930s and the doctor’s waiting room in 1948. Share your memories of old and bizarre home remedies from the past, including brown paper and goose grease!
World War II Home Front
Society Members have performed drama presentations on this theme, including their play ‘Blackout!’, to both older and younger audiences.
Meet the Jackson family as they struggle to cope with life on the home front in 1943. When will Grandad come out of the air raid shelter and just how did mother get those choice cuts of meat from the butcher? These, and many other questions, will be answered in this fast-paced comedy drama interspersed with music of the time ranging from ‘Run Rabbit Run’ and ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’.