FROM HEAVEN TO HELL At The Millgate Theatre Delph (11th November) House and Home Written by Danny Clifford & Directed by Sue Jenkins ‘From Heaven to Hell’ returned this year as a two-act play as part of the Greater Manchester Fridge festival.The play is essentially a World War one romance but also honours the sacrififice made by local Salford heroes at the Battle of the Somme. ‘From Heaven to Hell’ debuted in 2017 as a One Act play and was nominated for best Drama at the GM Fringe awards.The play returned this year and as a lengthened Two Act play and received fifive star reviews as well as another nomination for best Adaptation at the GM Fringe awards.The production also raised over £800 forThe British Legion and is set to do the same again this year. The play starts at the outbreak of World War One and the Army desperately needs more troops. Lord Kitchener encourages men to enlist by creating Pals battalions, guaranteeing if you enlist with your pals you’ll serve with your pals.A group of friends working on the ship canal join throw caution to the wind and enlist together.‘From Heaven to Hell’ is based on a true story of the 1st Salford Pals and is dedicated to the 24 offificers and 650 men from the battalion who fought at the battle of the Somme where more than one million men were wounded or killed. In the fifirst 30 minutes alone, 21 offificers and 449 men from the 1st Salford Pals had become casualties. Danny Clifford, said “I wanted to fifind my own way to pay tribute to those who showed such courage and dedication and to bring their story to a new generation. I am so proud that the play will be part of the centenary Remembrance day and it’s fantastic to have Sue Jenkins on board again to direct. Sue has been an incredible mentor for me as an actor and she has brought so many wonderful ideas that have really brought the play to life.” The play not only focuses on the horror of the battlefifield but also on those who were left at home waiting for news. Despite the subject matter, the play isn’t completely dark and leaves plenty of scope for macabre comedic touches. “Friendship was at the very centre of the Salford Pals and is something I’ve explored very closely in the play” Danny explains “It’s important to capture the essence of the people I’m writing about; their resilience, their humour, their hopes and fears for the future. I really hope I’ve done them justice.” Directed by stage and screen actress Sue Jenkins (Brookside, Jackie Corkhill. Coronation St, GloriaTodd) said:“I’m so pleased that From Heaven To Hell has developed into a full length play. The feedback last year was tremendous and this year, as we head towards the centenary of the end of the First World War, it’s even more poignant to bring From Heaven To Hell for a special Anniversary performance on Nov 11th at The Millgate Theatre, Saddleworth.” Writer of the play Danny Clifford said:“I’m excited to bring the play back especially on the centenary year which is such an important year in British history.We produced an excellent one act play last year and I really wanted to build on that. I had a few months away from writing and then eventually came back to the script with fresh eyes.The script has been re written to allow for new characters and scenes but does follow the same story as the original piece. I am overwhelmed and moved by the way the play was received last year and also the generous donations we received throughout the fundraising process. I’m truly grateful that I could pay tribute to them and bring their story to a new generation.” Christmas Get set for with a Professional Carpet or Hard Floor clean! N REMOVAL AND SPECIALIST LEATHER CLEANING. • At Absolute Clean Manchester we’re trained, experienced and fully insured • Our professional equipment allows us to offffer super fast drying times • We know your time is valuable so we always keep our timed appointments • Our specialist cleaning products are designed to eliminate rapid re-soiling • Our professionally trained technicians can offffer the best after-care available • Friendly staffff and free, no obligation surveys & quotations • All our products are child safe and pet safe for your peace of mind Established 2003 EA AN COMMERCIAL CARPET CLEANING SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL VINYL CLEANING UPHOLSTERY & MATTRESS CLEANING CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY DEEP CLE ,S N NI I N N G G , ST TA AI I STONE, TILES AND VINYL CLEANING 01706 412199 / 07763713246 Email:info@absolutecleaner.co.uk www.absolutecleanmanchester.co.uk w w w w w . Aw . A r o r u o n u d n S d A S D A D D L D E L WE WO R O T R H T . H c o . . c u o k . u k 57