Bembridge Fort went back in time when it welcomed the cast members from Journey’s End in full First World War battledress for a photo shoot with Island-based photographer, Julian Winslow.
He photographed the men in the same pose as the Isle of Wight Rifles in a photo taken over 100 years ago, in 1914.
It was a poignant reminder of the death of so many men, as many of the Isle of Wight Rifles didn’t return from the conflict.
Isle of Wight based professional theatre company, Theatre Reviva!, will be staging Journey’s End at the Apollo Theatre from tonight, until Saturday.
Set in a frontline dug out during the First World War, the story plays out over four days in March 1918, as five British officers wait for an upcoming attack.
- Read more: Journey's End comes to the Apollo Theatre
In the photo call were two Island A-level students, Tom Howarth (bottom left) and Fred Valvona (top left) in their first, paid theatre jobs as British Infantry private soldiers.
Ebb Phillips, 18, (bottom right) plays a German soldier - also his first professional role.
Full of beautifully observed humanity and understated heroism, the writer R.C. Sherriff drew on his own personal experiences in the trenches whilst a Captain in the East Surrey Regiment.
The first-hand authenticity, told through a funny, exciting, shocking, and poignant script has kept the play, and subsequent films, a triumph for a full 90 years.
“No other British play about the Great War by a veteran, has ever topped it” declared Isle of Wight resident director, Graham Pountney (centre).
“We are delighted to bring this amazing production to the Island, after Covid postponed it over a year ago. It’s also very fitting in the lead-up to Remembrance week and Poppy Day.”
UPDATE: Tonight's performance (Tuesday) has been cancelled due to a technical issue.
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