Soldiers

From the controversial pen of German playwright Rolf Hochhuth (author of The Representative), Soldiers is a startling and vitally contemporary example of documentary theatre at its best and most dramatic. Soldiers delves into the shady and hotly contested history of Winston Churchill’s role in the Second World War, and of the Allied bombing of German cities. This is the story of the Englishmen who, in setting Germany alight, helped to shape the forms of aerial warfare that continue to govern the international stage, and who first came to understand the consequences in both morale and morals.

Originally banned by the Lord Chamberlain and rejected by the National Theatre Board, this extraordinary play, which divided both historians and critics, receives its first London revival since its 1968 production. The original production received numerous security threats, and the producers had to employ security guards to instigate full searches of the theatre.

One of the UK’s most exciting young directors, John Terry’s work has been seen recently at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, and at the BAC. His recent production of Unsent Letters at the Orange Tree won great critical acclaim: “An evening to treasure” What’s On. “A finely conceived production” Time Out. The play is translated by the late Robert David MacDonald, best known for his work at the Glasgow Citizens, who died earlier this year.

Trevor Cooper plays Churchill. His most recent stage credits include Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Prisoner’s Dilemma, King John (all for the RSC) and The Iceman Cometh (Almeida). Film credits include Gangs of New York, Vanity Fair and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Recent TV credits include Captain Wills in Longitude (C4) and Otto Fischer in Eroica (BBC).