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’.

Junior schools:
‘Blackout!’ can be adapted for younger audiences to show them what life was like on the Home Front by examining the problems facing one particular family – food rationing, clothing coupons, air raids – with a particular focus on the experience of evacuation.

Elderly groups:
A more adult-focused version of ‘Blackout!’ is offered to older peoples’ groups.

Both of these presentations last about an hour including time for questions and discussion. A display of artefacts (gas masks, 1940s clothing and documents) is included.