If I Should Fall
2017
ONE HOUSE, ONE KITCHEN, ONE WOMAN, TWO WORLD WARS.
A play about women, community, love and loss, based on original letters written from the Battle of the Somme and the true story of one remarkable woman. ‘If I Should Fall…’ explores what it means to be at war; at home and away, then and now, asking the question ... 'have we changed at all?'.
Manchester, 1916 and Beattie is ahead of her time. A well read, bombastic adolescent with a promising future and a talent for writing. At sweet sixteen, Billy Glover is Beattie's first love. They live in letters sent across the battlefield. Manchester, 1941 and Beattie, like the rest of Britain, finds herself in another war. Only this time she's got a failing marriage and an ageing mother to contend with. Living in memories, amidst the bombing, rationing and village gossip can Beattie survive and finally put old ghosts to rest?
Venues included Oldham Coliseum (FIRST BREAK Festival), Oldham Library, Touchstones Museum, Saddleworth Museum, Sandon House Heywood, CAST Doncaster, Theatre Royal Wakefield and Square Chapel Arts Halifax.
WHAT DID AUDIENCES SAY?
“Had me in tears & giggles watching this story of love & survival, war & relationships.”
“What a privilege to have this show touring to community spaces.”
“It brought back deep memories.”
“Loss and love will always be relevant.”
“It's important to explore the past to ensure the same mistakes are not made.”
“I loved the audience interacting! Bringing younger and older audiences together is so valuable”
CAST & CREATIVES
Research & Development by Redbobble Theatre & Charlotte O’Leary
Written by Charlotte O’Leary
Directed by Martha Simon
Set Designer - Sascha Gilmour
Sound Designer - Owen Rafferty
Movement Director - Adam Davies
Graphic Designer - Hashtag House (Laura Hudson)
Photography - Rachael Munro-Fawcett
Technician - Paul Plowman
Cast
Andrew Roberts-Palmer
Jordi Williams
Kelly Munro-Fawcett
Louisa May Parker
With Special Thanks To
Emily Spowage, Gareth George, Adam Gardiner, Joel Parry, Scott Hodgson, Matt Lanigan & Pete Carruthers
A NOTE FROM THE WRITER
‘If I Should Fall’ is the first time that RedBobble have worked with a writer so closely from the very beginning of the process. Having met many years ago, we’d wanted to work with Charlotte for a while. Then suddenly, Charlotte made an incredible discovery amidst unfortunate circumstances (watch her interview above!) and our story began.
During the varying stages of research and development, starting in March 2017, we visited community centres, museums and libraries engaging many people, young and old in the making of the work.
We couldn’t have done it without the help of so many generous actors, writers, fellow theatre makers and our audiences. And we must offer a very special thank you to Mrs O’Leary (Charlotte’s mum!) who was always on hand for helpful dramaturgy and historical references but who has also been on a journey of her own as we’ve discovered more about her own family.
