Writer and Director: Michael Hughes
This hour-long production focuses on the story of Patrick Michael Wolfe, the last Bantam of the First World War. Michael Hughes tells a wonderfully crafted, yet sombre story that took place over 100 years ago.
When the First World War started, Britain recruited men from all walks of life, and, in particular, of certain physical heights. Over 30,000 British and Irishmen between the height of 5’-5’3” (152.4 to 161.5 cm) were nicknamed the ‘Bantams’, after their smaller stature and specific battalions. By 1918, there was only one Bantam left. This one-man act is headed by Hughes, who also wrote and produced this performance.
This production begins as soon as you enter the theatre. The stage is dark, and the sound of artillery plays in the background. Wolfe enters, ready to talk to reporters about the Bantams. He warns everyone that nearby is a German sniper, who is very good at his job. Then he tells his story.
The storytelling is compelling and mesmerising to watch. Through Hughes, Wolfe comes alive as the audience learns about Wolfe’s life and also about the other men who fought alongside him. Hughes does a magnificent job of telling the audience about the Bantam’s frustrations in the war: vexations due to their short stature, the lack of proper uniforms and to having to change how they approach trench warfare, Hughes’ body language, facial expressions, and tone create an image of a young man who is proud of his stature, his country, and of his comrades.
The story Hughes tells is larger than just the Bantams. Though Wolfe fought as a Bantam, he also fought as an Irishman. Throughout the story, Wolfe maintains he fights for Irish Home Rule. This adds another dimension to this production. Not only does it focus on the horrors of the First World War, but also the hopes of Irish soldiers to gain greater freedoms for their countrymen.
As the story progresses, Wolfe slowly starts to remove pieces of his uniform. This symbolises perfectly Wolfe’s disillusionment with the war, and the hope that promises made by the British will be honoured. Hughes does an excellent job of letting his emotions come through as controlled, yet also raw. He is a soldier disenchanted by the atrocities he witnesses by the enemies, but also by those he is fighting with and for.
This is a haunting tale that draws the audience in from start to finish and highlights the raw human emotions so prevalent during war. Don’t miss out on seeing this production.
Reviewed on 8 December and continues to tour
