The show must go on! Battle of the Somme play to open

The Greater Game, a new play, opens its curtains at The Southwark Playhouse in London next month as part of The Royal British Legion's Battle of the Somme centenary commemorations. 

Produced by Michael Head, this show will be telling the story of the First World War footballing heroes from Clapton Orient Football Club. It's going to be on for four weeks at the Playhouse and it's expected to get an excellent turnout. 

Not only is this play a part of the Legion's commemorations, the Armed Forces charity has also sponsored the opening of the play itself. 

The story follows 41 members of the football club's team, who bravely fought at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and it will star Nick Hancock, Charlie Clements and Danny Walters. 

For those of you who are keen readers, you'll be pleased to know that the play and overall performance is based on the book 'They Took the Lead' by Stephen Jenkins. 

Not only does the play pay homage to the Somme, but it also forms part of the Legion's Sports Remembers campaign, which looks back on all the athletes, footballers, clubs and teams and Olympians who served in Pals Battalions during the battle. 

The losses of the people who fought in these battalions were felt hugely in the club and community levels. 

Digging deep, the Legion has found incredible stories of the sportsmen who were at the Somme. The Sport Remembers tales span across all levels of athletic capabilities, including stories of sprinters, cricketers and motorbiking, among others. 

The Greater Game will be running from 15th September to 16th October, Monday to Saturday every week.