Carriageworks Theatre Presents ENGLAND, ARISE Tonight

Bent Architect Theatre Company presents the world premiere of England, Arise! at Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds tonight 1 November. This compelling new play explores the untold story of the men and women who opposed war and swam against the tide of nationalism that flooded the country in the wake of WW1.

From Bradford born playwright Mick Martin, the creator of the cult hit plays Once Upon a Time in Wigan and Broken Time, England, Arise! is the story of a strong community of young people filled with the youthful vigour, humour and excitement of the prospect of a new world order. Their hunger for knowledge, ideas and political action is intertwined with the exciting cultural movement of the time.

The play follows the lives and loves of Arthur Gardiner and Percy Ellis, two friends from Huddersfield who were involved in the socialist movement at the turn of the century and who, in the face of WW1, were prepared to risk everything for their conscience.

As the First World War looms, and the No Conscription Fellowship is formed, their personal struggles begin. These men were inspired by the women who surround them, radical northern suffragettes who were prepared to give up their freedom and suffer imprisonment for their cause but the all too real experiences of tribunals and prison sentences eventually test their convictions to the very limit.

With live music, and razor sharp comedy, England, Arise! is a gripping portrayal of how the people united in the hope of a free world.

Inspired by the book Comrades In Conscience, by Cyril Pearce, drawing on Jill Liddington's story of the Northern women's suffrage movement, Rebel Girls, and using first hand source material, Mick Martin's play pays tribute to those who sacrificed everything for a brighter tomorrow.

Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England; England, Arise! is an exciting new production which delves into an untold seam of British history offering a fresh perspective on the centenary, made even more poignant by the fact that the "war to end all wars" did nothing of the sort.

The production brings together a strong northern creative team who have a huge range of experience creating hugely successful shows for audiences in the North and beyond. Playwright Mick Martin says "Ultimately it is a very dramatic and universal story of people standing up for what they believe in, it's also very hopeful, about young men and women who believe in a better world and are committed to bringing it about - peacefully!"

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