Stone Revellers will be bringing a piece of local history to the stage this month with a musical about the Synnerton Roses.
Bob Eaton’s critically acclaimed musical play I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire is based on the fascinating story of the Swynnerton Roses, the women of Filling Station Number 5, Munitions Factory, ROF Swynnerton. The war brought people together in a way that had never happened before, and this show captures the atmosphere of that time, awakening us all to the spirit that was wartime Britain.
The play takes place over the six-year conflict, from Chamberlain’s radio announcement of the declaration of war through to the surrender of Germany and then Japan.
ROF Swynnerton was built in 1939 with production starting in the summer of 1940. By 1941, 5000 people were employed there, reaching a peak of 18,000 in the summer of 1942.
The work was unpleasant and dangerous and the explosive powder could turn skin and hair yellow. Even worse, a number of women lost fingers, hands or even limbs in explosions at the factory
As a heartwarming nostalgic piece of theatre, with lots of songs and music of the era, it charts the lives of some of our local unsung heroines of the war. It celebrates the lives of ordinary girls working and living in extraordinary situations.
I DON’T WANT TO SET THE WORLD ON FIRE
St Michael’s Church Hall, Lichfield Street
Wednesday 20th – Saturday 23rd March, 7.30pm
Fully licensed bar available
Tickets: £9 (£8 concessions) Available from the Home & Colour Centre on the High Street or by calling 01785 817307 or emailing info@stonerevellers.org.uk
Lots more information about Stone Revellers at www.stonerevellers.org.uk
They’re also on Facebook HERE
