The Questors presentSleepers in the Field
by Peter WhelanWar brings conflict – and not just for those who fight
WORLD PREMIERE
It’s 1941 and the Luftwaffe is targeting industrial areas in the Midlands. From their bungalow on the edge of town the Walsh family can see the fires and hear the German bombers roaring overhead. Ted has installed an air-raid shelter in their back garden, so they should be safe. But his daughter, Marion, is passionate about the war and signs up for the women’s army – in particular, the anti-aircraft (ack-ack) section, where she can help to destroy Fascism by bringing down enemy aircraft. Ted, a wounded survivor of the First World War, is more sceptical. And Binnie, his wife, just wants things back to normal.
But war and love make difficult bedfellows, as Marion discovers when she meets her unit commander, Gryff – himself troubled by the war and the dilemmas it brings. Meanwhile, Joe, her 14-year-old brother, plays war-games with his next-door friend, fascinated by what war means – until he is brought face-to-face with its reality.
Peter Whelan’s play explores attitudes to war and conflict – and to those we see as different from us.
Suitable for ages 12+
Contains some loud noises.
Running time: approximately 2 hours 5 mins (plus a 15 minute interval)
