IN 1914, the town of Accrington was the smallest community in the UK to raise its own battalion to fight in the First World War.

In 10 days, it sent 720 men and boys to serve. And in 20 minutes, in July 1916, most were slaughtered on the Somme. This play tells the story of some of these men and the women left behind.

Although the cast tried hard, the play was not fast-paced enough nor passionate and did not come together as a whole.

There were strong performances from Rory Moncas- ter as Tom, Oliver Faulkner as Reggie and Jess Wilson as Bertha. However, the stand-outs were Claire Malcolmson playing Sarah and Betty-Jo Miller who played Eva.

Costumes and set were excellent.