Actor and singer Brendan MacQuaile brings his one-man-show, March Away My Brothers, evoking and commemorating World War I, to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar tonight (Friday ) at 8pm.
March Away My Brothers is based on a book of the same name, written and performed by Brendan MacQuaile.
It follows the journey of a young man, Lawrence Kelly from Bridgefoot Street in Dublin’s Liberties, to the Christmas Truce in 1914, somewhere near the Messines ridge in Flanders, where many Irish fought and died during the course of World War I.
But Larry’s story is not one of disheartenment.
Instead Larry looks back on the excitement of the early call to arms, which is still palpable, the Guinness Pals brigade forming after Kitchener’s rallying call, and the sheer chaos and melee of new troops arriving in France, gung ho, ready to serve the crown, and do their bit before it was ‘over by Christmas’.
Many of the popular songs of the time such as ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ and ‘There’s a Long Long Trail a-Winding’ are included as well as some modern reflections in song, in this heartwarming and poignant performance.
March Away My Brothers comes to the Linenhall tonight and booking is advised. Telephone (094 ) 9023733.
