The Lost WW1 Diary

THE LOST WW1 Diary, written and performed by Damian Callinan, directed by Tim Overton will be presented at Deloraines Little Theatre on Wednesday 22nd July 7.30pm

Obsessed from a young age by the Anzac legend and intrigued by the mystery surrounding the identity of two diggers from a family photo, Damian sets out on a quest to put names to the faces.

Whilst holidaying in Warrnambool, a series of curious events lead him to the discovery of a war diary in an op-shop that may finally link him to the legend.

A renowned stand up and character comedian, Callinan [Backyard Ashes, Spicks & Specks, Skithouse, 774ABC] brings to life the pages of the diary as we meet Paddy Callinan and his ‘push’ as they set off for ‘The Big Show’.

Callinan combines detailed research, hilarious but believable characterisations, black humour, absurdity and deft writing to swing the mood of the story from rollicking farce to aching pathos in a heartbeat.

Actual events are woven into the tapestry of the narrative to put a new spin on history: Depot sells a pantomime donkey costume to Simpson, the lads give a scathing review of a German painting found in a trench attributed to a Corporal Adolf H and a game of cricket in the trenches leads to the first trans-Tasman underarm bowling incident.

The Lost WW1 Diary is a fresh take on the generation who travelled across the world to war and discovered that it’s a long way to Tipperary without a GPS.

“Some performances move you with such force they’re in your thoughts well after the theatre lights dim and you’ve left the venue. This is one of them ... We laughed, we gasped, we wiped tears from our eyes. Memorable, moving, brilliant!” *****Adelaide Advertiser.

$25.00 adults, $20.00 Arts Deloraine and concession. Tickets available at Elemental Artspace on 0437 057 417, 20 Emu Bay Rd or buy online: www.trybooking.com/142582