Far Far From Ypres

Dear Legion Scotland / Association Member,

I am seeking supporters who would like to be involved in an exciting project which is taking place this autumn.  Legion Scotland, in partnership with Poppyscotland and WW100 Scotland is supporting a 10 venue tour of Ian McCalman’s production Far Far From Ypres.

Far Far From Ypres

Far, Far from Ypres is a two-hour multimedia performance presenting the First World War from a Scottish point of view through songs from the trenches and music halls, as well as more recent songs inspired by the conflict, along with poetry and prose readings. Devised, written and produced by Ian McCalman, of the folk group The McCalmans, Far, Far from Ypres tells the story of the Scottish war effort and its excitement, hope, suffering, endurance, humour, fear and disillusionment in the face of horror through the eyes of fictional, soldier, Jimmy MacDonald.

Narrated by BBC Radio Scotland presenter Iain Anderson, it has attracted some of the leading lights in the folk scene. Those joining him on this tour will include Siobhan Miller, Barbara Dickson, Dick Gaughan, Ian McCalman, Gary West, Stephen Quigg, Ian Bruce, Sangsters and other well- known faces in the Scottish folk scene.

The Tour

Starting on 5 August 2018, just a few days before the centenary of the last 100 days of the war, and finishing on 11 November 2018, the centenary of the end of the war, the production will visit 10 theatres across Scotland in areas linked with recruiting in WWI.  Ticket prices in all venues are being kept as low as feasible to allow as  many people as possible to see this outstanding production.  A list of the tour dates and venues is attached.

During the tour we hope to encourage people to research their family and local history.  There will be a number of suggestions on www.ww100scotland.com on how people might want to record the things they find out.  In addition, Ian McCalman will be keen to learn of any interesting stories which might be fed into the narrative of the production.

Your role

We are seeking Legion Scotland members who would be interested in assisting in two ways.  Firstly, we will send you some leaflets promoting the show which we would ask you to distribute around your area.   Secondly, we would ask you to contact or visit a number of places, predominantly local schools, libraries or care homes, to help promote the family / local research.

If you are interested in being involved please contact Liz Kyle l.kyle@legionscotland.org.uk