WIRKSWORTH PLAYS HOST TO STANDING IN LINE

Wirksworth-based Lester (centre) is an internationally famed musician/singer and this World War One-themed show has been touring the country, to great acclaim.

It is based on the story of Lester’s great uncle Albert, who hailed from Windley and who was killed near to Ypres, using music/song/narration and projection.

Standing In Line sees Lester Simpson join forces with Mike Bettison and Nigel Corbett.

It is 100 years since the outbreak of the Great War. Albert Scrimshaw was killed in 1917 at the third battle of Ypres, better known as the battle of Passendale (or Passchendaele).

Albert, born in 1885, worked as a butler near Oxford, married a girl from Windley and became a farm labourer. He joined the Ox and Bucks regiment and marched off to war, never to return. His widow Annie lived in Duffield Derbyshire until her death in the 1970s.

Lester’s songs have featured on radio, television, stage productions and most recently in a co-production with the former children’s laureate, Michael Murpurgo.

Mike Bettison is currently artistic director of Blaize. He has worked in performing arts for many years as both a performer and director. He also presents a show on Radio Teesdale.

Nigel Corbett is a well known musician, who has played a variety of styles from classical to folk and roots. He currently plays with the acclaimed roots band Prego.

Standing In Line was commissioned by Peace Concerts Passendale and first performed in the church at Passendale, Belgium.

The performance, presented by Town Hall Events Wirksworth, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10. Call 01629 824393 or see www.townhallevents.ticketsource.co.uk