Julia ParryLilies on the Land is a celebration of the Women’s Land Army of World War II. It is based around memories, notes, press cuttings and recollections from the one hundred and forty women who responded to a letter published in Saga Magazine. The women were interviewed and their stories weaved into the theatrical celebration that is currently showing at York Theatre Royal.
There are four actors seamlessly weaving between different characters; feeding off each other with great sensitivity and humour. They are Margie (Kate Copeland), Poppy (Sarah Finch), Vera (Catriona Martin) and Peggy, played with tremendous comic timing by Kali Peacock. The singing is enhanced by the superb harmonisation between the four voices; the rendition of Silent Night in three languages was beautiful.
Despite back-breaking working and sometimes appalling living conditions, being away from home, enduring unwanted sexual advances, experiencing bombings and loss of friends and loved ones the girls kept on smiling and singing and persevered regardless of their own comfort and wellbeing. What made it all worthwhile to them was their pride in the knowledge that they were keeping their country fed.
The wide age range of the audience proved that a good story is timeless and ageless, the humour appealed to all.
Lilies on the Land is showing at York Theatre Royal until Saturday.
