The White Feather

World Premiere
Book by Ross Clark and Andrew Keates.
Music by Ross Clark
Additional Songs by Matthew Strachan
Arrangements by Martin Coslett and Dustin Conrad
Union Theatre.

“Set them in stone"

Georgina Briggs’ brother was one of over 300 allied soldiers executed for cowardice during the First World War. She won’t accept the shame and she won’t let it lie. But as she fights for justice a shocking discovery awaits her. This is the story of The White Feather – A New British Musical, which comes to the Union Theatre for a five week run 16 September – 17 October 2015.

Memorials to the soldiers who fought and died in the Great War grace almost every town and village but 306 names are conspicuous by their absence – the men who were executed by their own side. Some were deserters and others were condemned for putting down their weapons in the course of battle but many were suffering from what we know now as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The White Feather tells the story of one soldier and his suffering and his sister’s lifelong fight for a posthumous pardon. It also encounters the issue of homosexuality and gender in-equality during the turn of the century. With powerful songs and a storyline with a twist, this production has a sharp emotional intensity generated by words and music. The production will feature several wrap-around activities including historical educational talks and discussions about mental health, PTSD and surrounding issues.

Nominated for Best New Musical Production in the 2015 BroadwayWorld Award.

“Andrew Keates doesn’t really do easy. In fact, the bravery of his work notwithstanding, he is fast becoming my favourite Director in London and certainly one of the best”
★★★★★ Theatre Weekly

“The White Feather is everything musical theatre should be – it will make you think deeply about bravery, war and the nature of humanity all the way home. If there is any justice this exciting production will be given a longer run or a second home so it gets the wider viewing it deserves”
★★★★★ Danny Coleman-Cooke, BritishTheatre.com

“Award winning journalist Ross Clark’s story highlights that allied soldiers were executed for cowardice, by British soldiers during the First World War, focusing on an underage recruit and some homosexual turmoil. Director Andrew Keates, also a trophy holder, breathes life into Ross’s quillings with emotion-elevating lyrics and compelling numbers that are implemented by nine talented actors”
★★★★★ The GayUK

“an intense and emotional musical with some very moving songs and a very strong story that does nothing to hide an ignominious moment in British history.  It is not a traditional musical in any way but is of the finest traditions of musical theatre”
★★★★ Terry Eastham, MyTheatreMates

“the show is just beautiful to watch, like a Sunday night drama, the evening just slipped away as I found myself totally carried away in the sublime performances and tender musical numbers”
★★★★★ Theatre Weekly

“a moving musical by a stellar cast”
★★★★ Musical Theatre Musings

“a striking new piece of British musical theatre”
Ian Foster, The Public Reviews

“Arion Productions has, once again, brought something new, brave and exciting to the London stage and I would urge any theatre lover to grab tickets before the show inevitably sells out”
★★★★★ Theatre Weekly

“I was captivated by this lovely show. Andrew Keates had developed and directed it and co-wrote the book and he’s done a great job. Unmissable’
Gareth James, Cultural Blog

“The staging is consistently good, building up to a tear jerking and perfectly executed final scene, in which all the elements come together perfectly”
★★★★★ Danny Coleman-Cooke, BritishTheatre.com

“it’s an emotionally charged, intimate experience not to be missed”
Laura Kressly, The Play’s The Thing

“a refreshing and truly new musical with songs that are beautiful, poetic and memorable”
★★★★★ A Rant and Moan Blog

“Every now and then, there emerges a gem in fringe theatres offering what one may find in a West End production”
★★★★ The Upcoming