A VILLAGE hall is staging the world premiere of a play themed around the First World War.

‘A Long Line of Hope and Glory’, written by Joyce Pollard and Sheena Rudd, is a poignant reminder of the fate of young people in 1914 compared to 2014, and it will be performed twice at The Barlow in Edgworth on Saturday.

The two performances of the specially commissioned play will form part of a full day of events to commemorate the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

‘Edgworth: The Great War seen through the eyes of a Rural Community’ will take place at The Barlow from 10am.

The event, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is aimed at residents from the village as well as Turton, and Entwistle, and seeks to provide an insight into how the First World War affected the local community.

The day will also recognise talented local people who have played their own part in marking the centenary celebrations.

Joyce Pollard will be reading one of her daughter Clare’s poems, which was commissioned by the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Tony and Pam Hope will read extracts from their daughter Anna’s successful book ‘Wake‘, a novel about three women dealing with the aftermath of the War.

The pair grew up in Edgworth and attended the village primary school, as did Philip Cheadle who took a main part in BBC One’s First World War drama Crimson Field earlier this year.

During the day, Doreen Hough’s research on the War Graves will be on display, as well as 144 photographs from the time.

There will also be a cafe, music by Nick Mallion and Co, and poppy-making for children and their parents.

Peter Charnock, one of the organisers, said: “We think nearly 300 from this community went away, but we’re still doing research.”

Tickets for the play are £2 available from the Barlow Office, Bolton Road, Edgworth or for more information, call Peter on 01204 852965. There will be a matinee at 3.30pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm.

‘Songs, Words and Poetry in the Hall’ will begin at 10.30am.