Loft Theatre’s war drama is a true life story about Kipling

This is no work of fiction.

Simply Haig’s dramatised account of the real-life story of Rudyard Kipling, one of the best-known writers of the 20th century, who was so anxious for his son Jack, to “do his bit” despite the fact that the boy had been excused from fighting because of his terrible eyesight.

Director John Smith, who makes his Loft debut with the play, which runs from tomorrow (Wednesday) to next Friday, said: “This timeless tale is unfortunately as pertinent today as it was in 1913.

“Here Jack and his small band of Irish Guards are a miniscule representation of the hundreds of thosuands of young men, some barely more than boys, who faced that hell on earth.

“And having just witnessed the Queen laying a wreath in Dublin in tribute to the Irish war dead, it acquires even greater topicality.”

The play was first performed in 1997 and then in 2007 the author adapted it for television when he took the role of Kipling playing alongside Daniel Radcliffe as Jack.

Haig is no stranger to awards. In 1988 he won an Olivier award for his performance in Our Country’s Good and went on to receive two further nominations.

In the Loft production the part of Kipling is played by Phil Reynolds with newcomer Luke Jackson Miller as Jack.

Also on stage are Michael Barker, Tom Ellis, Dale Forder, Julie Godfrey, Edward Griffiths, Colum Speed, Kate Thorogood and Howard Scott-Walker.

Tickets can be booked online at www.loft-theatre.co.uk or call 0844 493 4938, or in person at the theatre itself in Victoria Colonnade, just off the Parade, Leamington.