The Show
The stage play of 'CHURCHILL - The Musical' was written by Derek Charles Ash and Trevor Holman between July and December 2008 with re-writes between January and May 2009.
One of the very first decisions made by Derek and Trevor was that none of the Nazi or Axis protaganists would appear as characters on stage in the musical, although they are referred to throughout.
Another decision that had to be made early on was what period of Winston's life should be covered and after much discussion it was decided that the show would start with Winston's marriage to Clemmie, the love of his life, and would finish when Winston retired from public life.
Obviously a proportion of that period covered the Second World War.
It was decided to include the
important aspects of the war and the day to day decisions and responsibilities that fell on Winston's shoulders, but throughout that period to also concentrate on the most important relationship in Winston's life - that with Clemmie his wife.
The show even looks at the struggle they had over money during their early years together and it has been treated in a light-hearted way in the show with Winston pleading his case for what Clemmie thought of his extravagant lifestyle where Winston sings - 'It's not necessary - but it's nice'.
The writers have not shied away from covering the very sad and demoralising aspects of the war and their thanks go to Anne Frank House in Amsterdam who helped and advised on the scene with Anne hiding from the Nazi's in the attic room in Amsterdam.
To read more about Anne go to : Anne Frank House website
Excerpts from most of Winston's well known speeches are included (Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat, Finest Hour, Fight them on the Beaches, Unknown Warriors etc.) and in some cases the emotions and messages of the speeches have inspired the lyrics of songs in the show.
The most difficult decisions the writers had to take were what to include and what to leave out and that in itself presented enormous challenges. How can you leave out one of Winston's great speeches? If you included them all there'd be no time for anything else.
The writers have included some of Winston's most famous and humourous quotes throughout the stage play as it was felt important that these gems of wit were included.
The show ends happily with Winston, meeting up with Clemmie on the beach as they stroll along and contemplate their life
together now that Winston has retired from public life.
'CHURCHILL - The Musical' is not a show about the Second World War - it's about the loving relationship between the man voted by the British public as 'The Greatest Briton to have ever lived', and his wife.
It's a simple fact that their relationship took place during a time when good triumphed over evil and the writers hope the show will help keep the deeds, the actions, the bravery and the memory of everyone that took part alive for future generations.
'CHURCHILL - The Musical' is a celebration of life - and that of one life in particular - the man voted by the British public as the greatest Briton to have ever lived:
Sir Winston Churchill.
