And a Nightingale Sang…history, music, and humour inspire a tale of surviving and thriving in the shipbuilding centre of Newcastle upon Tyne during World War 11.

Celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the Graduate Dramatic Society presents a story of humour, humanity and optimism in the face of adversity. C.P.Taylor’s play and this lively production at the Dolphin Theatre at UWA bring this unique era to life: the deprivations – food and clothing rationing, no street lights, ‘blackouts’ at home and in industry, severe fuel restrictions, air raid warnings, bombing raids, saving precious food scraps for pigs, the inability to import food because of U-Boat activity; menfolk going to war and womenfolk taking over the jobs of men in Industry and on the land. All inspired by the words of leaders of the day, with humour, fear and fortitude.

The play follows the fortunes of the Stott family, and the progress of the war from its declaration in 1939 by Prime Minister Chamberlain, to the V.E. celebrations in 1945. The story-line is infused with the music and culture that kept people going, the BBC news, the Saturday night dance, and the spirit of the British people, united in their patriotic mutual dependence.