A POIGNANT play about the First World War, told from an all-female perspective, is heading for Bingley.

The Thankful Village, by Yorkshire’s Badapple Theatre Company, is touring small venues until November 11. The tour includes three ‘Thankful Villages’ - places that did not lose any men in the 1914-18 conflict. There were just 53 such places in the country, where all those who left to serve in the war came home again afterwards.

Set in Yorkshire, the play presents an alternative look at the Great War, told through the eyes of three women from the same rural household - both below and above stairs - left behind to cope when their menfolk depart for Flanders.

It’s a story of hope, humour and humanity, highlighting the war service of women whose story is so often missing from history books.

The Thankful Village stars Sarah Raine, Zoe Land and Frances Tither. It features music by Jez Lowe, award-winning singer songwriter who recently collaborated with Michael Morpurgo for BBC2’s Alone on a Wide Wide Sea. Jez’s songs for The Thankful Village will be played during his appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night’s ‘Ballads of the Great War’ special with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra this month.

This year marks Badapple’s 20th anniversary. The company takes productions to small venues and communities.

The Thankful Village is at Bingley Arts Centre on Thursday at 7.30pm. For tickets call (01274) 567983.

* TOMORROW there’s a script-in-hand performance of a ‘duologue’ between two of the leading lights of the Bradford Women’s Humanity League, Esther Sandiforth and Fanny Muir. On July 1, 1922, the women attend the unveiling of Bradford War Memorial and reflect on the work of the League of 1916-18, and events of the post-war years, as they look ahead to their future. Protestors for Peace is by Bradford writer Irene Lofthouse, who plays Esther, with Jen Banks playing Fanny.

“It taking the opportunity of this WWI centenary year to remember those women of Bradford who were Protestors for Peace,” says Irene.

Tonight’s performance is at Delius Arts and Cultural Centre, Great Horton Road, at 6pm, followed by a question-and-answer session. Entrance is free, with donations requested towards costs.