LOCAL history comes to life when Stone Revellers stage a nostalgic story of wartime based on a Swynnerton munitions factory.
The musical is based on the story of the Swynnerton Roses – the women of filling station number five at the munitions factory at ROF Swynnerton during the six-year conflict.
The factory threw women together from vastly different backgrounds who forged lifelong friendships despite their social differences.
Together they laughed and cried as they contributed to the war effort.
The action takes place over the duration of the war from Chamberlain’s initial announcement that war had been declared to the surrender of Germany follwed by Japan.
The nostalgia includes songs of the day and follows the lives of these unsung heroines of the conflict.
Director Kevin Turner said the production had thrown up some unique challenges.
“We have a strong cast, it’s quite a young cast, some of the main leads are doing a show for the first time.
“It’s nice because we are learning as we go along what happened at Swynnerton.
"It’s not like a Broadway show, this one is local. It’s unusual because I don’t know the show so I have no preconceived ideas but that makes it more exciting.
“The well-known shows you can direct with your eyes closed but this one I have to think.
"It was written for theatre in the round too so we are having to adapt it for a normal set.”
The show has the backing of the lead character’s daughter who will be in the audience when the curtain goes up.
“The story is about the characters, particularly the girls who were in their late teens or early 20s who worked there, how they came from different societies and came to mingle and work together, how friendships developed and pregnancies.
"It’s about all the camaraderie and the happiness and the sadness because of the death of loved ones.
"It shows the good side of the war but the sad side and also the fact it was on our doorstep and the support local women gave. It’s the highs and lows of a wartime production.”
The show runs from March 20 to 23 at St Michael’s Church Hall, in Lichfield Street, Stone. For times and tickets call Home and Colour, High Street, Stone, on 01785 817307.
