THE acclaimed Mikron Theatre Company return to Winsford next month, with a production honouring the heroic, morale-boosting efforts of Great War entertainers.

Troupers: Concerts at the Front is based on the little-known exploits of British actress and acting manager, Lena Ashwell – the first person to organise large-scale troop entertainment for front line soldiers in the trenches.

The play sees Lena lead a motley bunch of performers to the muddy fields of France in the First World War, where they’re soon faced with the grim realities of conflict.

“This will be the fourth time Over Allotments Association has brought the mighty Mikron Theatre Company to Winsford, and we’re expecting another amazing show,” said association chairman, John Malam.

“As ever, Mikron have come up with a highly topical play. Who else could tell the true story of Lena Ashwell, the British actress who brought music to the Tommies in the First World War?

“What she did a hundred years ago made it all possible for Dame Vera Lynn and Katherine Jenkins.”

Marianne McNamara, Mikron's artistic director, added: "We were really interested in having a central character who is female, at a point in history which is often told from a male perspective.

“The story is about those who entertain and enrich the lives of our service men and women, and how that started out in the First World War."

The performance will be staged in Winsford Academy's brand new theatre space at 7.30pm on September 26.

Over Allotments Association is offering a pair of free tickets for the show to the first name drawn out of a hat.

Just send your name, phone number and postal address to Mikron Theatre Competition, c/o Winsford Town Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH.

Email entries can be sent directly to overallotments@overallotments.co.uk

Closing date for entries is September 12.

Tickets £11, £9 concessions available at overallotments.co.uk

Northwich Guardian: Woodland Trust