SACKVILLE, N.B. – Live Bait Theatre and Saint John Theatre Company are joining forces to present the award-winning story of Canadian First World War flying ace Billy Bishop.
‘Billy Bishop Goes to War’ will be presented in Sackville on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Sackville Royal Canadian Legion. A special commemorative New Brunswick tour will begin in Fredericton on Oct. 11, with other stops including Moncton on Oct. 24, Saint John on Oct. 26 and 27, St. Andrews on Nov. 14 and Sussex on Nov. 16.
The two-person play dramatizes the life of Canadian First World War fighter pilot Billy Bishop. Written and composed by John MacLachlan Gray, in collaboration with Eric Peterson in 1978, Billy Bishop Goes to War has grown to become one of the most-widely produced plays in Canadian theatre.
The role of Billy Bishop will be played by actor and award-winning playwright Ron Kelly Spurles.
“I've always loved how well the play tells the story of this young man as he faces the realities of war, and how well it balances the camaraderie and the sense of duty and adventure, with the horror and the futility of it all,” says Kelly Spurles. “It's just a wonderful script, really – so well written, with a gripping story told by a very believable character, and with great music. Also, it's a fantastic challenge as an actor to play all of the characters, and I think audiences will really enjoy taking that journey with me.”
Tickets are available at www.livebaittheatre.com (or for the Sackville show only at Robert Lyon Graphics at 10 Weldon Street).
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in all locations.
For more information, phone 506-536-2248 or visit Live Bait Theatre's website: www.livebaittheatre.com.
