BIRDSONG Audiences at Wyvernr Theatre Donate Over £2,700 to Help for Heroes

Audiences throughout the 7-performance run of Birdsong at the Wyvern Theatre last week donated in excess of £2,700 to Help for Heroes. The charity offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses whilst serving our country.

Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-Founder of Help for Heroes said "Help for Heroes (H4H) is all about 'doing your bit' and we are delighted to have the support of the Wyvern Theatre. We can't thank them enough for the amazing support and the incredible fundraising total that has been achieved throughout their recent showing of Birdsong. The war may be over but the battles are only just beginning for those lives have changed in the service of our country, a fight that may last for the rest of their lives. We need to make sure that there's a comprehensive level of support available to them and that it's there for life."

In addition to the performances, last week's run of Birdsong at the Wyvern Theatre provided town residents with the opportunity to enjoy free entertainment from the Military Wives and a free exhibition from Wiltshire Soldiers portraying Why We Went To War.

"Last week's performance of Birdsong was beautifully evocative and atmospheric and the turbulent emotional journey of the characters stayed with me for some time afterwards," said Helen Miah, Swindon Borough Council's Leisure, Libraries & Culture Commissioner. "The evening was made even more emotive with a pre-show exhibition focusing on how and why the Great War started and a wonderful medley of war time songs performed by the Military Wives Choir in the bandstand outside."

Before the Saturday matinee, individuals were also given the chance to book one of six free slots with Wiltshire Soldiers' Richard Broadhead, to learn more about their family's involvement with the war.

Roger Scratchley attended one of these sessions. He said "It was very interesting and informative. I knew a little before the session, which turned out to be all false - I never met the eldest of my mum's brother and always thought that he served in the Battle of Mons. That was wrong. He was a regiment Soldier and I learnt that he was training rather than being in the Battle of Mons."

Birdsong marked the beginning of the Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre's WW1 season, which continues in September with Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain and also includes stage adaptations of Michael Morpurgo's Private Peaceful and The Western Players' production of Journey's End.

For more information about forthcoming shows at the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre, visit swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.

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