Unusual Request - Theatre Production

[dobw]

Well friends, this may be one of the strangest posts the Forum has seen, but here goes: In addition to a lifetime interest in history and collecting militaria, I have also been very active in community theatre, or, as it is known in the UK, amateur theatricals. For some time, I have been trying to persuade our local group to allow me to direct R. C. Sherriff’s classic First World War play, Journey’s End. For the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, they have called my bluff and put the show on next season’s schedule. I am starting to appreciate the magnitude of the task I have taken on. Casting and rehearsal will not be the biggest challenge; this is the normal work of the theatre world. Much more daunting will be the construction of an accurate representation of a WWI trench system in an arena theatre and costuming 10-12 actors in authentic-appearing uniforms and equipment.

This post is to request any help, suggestions, or advice the membership can provide. British field equipment and uniforms of any period are scarce in my part of America. I have odds and ends, a SMLE No. 1 Mark III rifle, a .455 Webley revolver, a couple of helmets, several leather belts with shoulder straps, a set of P37 gear, a leather jerkin, and that’s about it. Any suggestions regarding a source of equipment or uniforms would be appreciated. Obviously, I realize that given the constraints of finances and availability, I will not be able to make everything perfectly authentic. With that thought in mind, I am planning to buy later canvas equipment and uniforms that will look close enough to be acceptable. I expect I may have to hold my nose and buy some reproductions, as well. Finally, any ideas regarding the accurate portrayal of the British army of the First World War period are also welcome.

[Leonard D]

Hi Dob, might I suggest browsing EBay Canada. Also 2 Canadian Militaria dealers:

The Canadian Soldier
Marway Militaria.

A lot closer to you in Wyoming and much of the field equipment, uniforms etc...
were very similar if not identical to British issue.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Len.

[Voltigeur]

You can try What Price Glory for repro for P08 equipment.
Jo

https://onlinemilitaria.net/products...-Sets-Package/

[wardog]

May be some living historians/ reenactors who portray the period in the states that might advise? Regards, Paul.

[dobw]

Many thanks to Len, Jo and Paul for useful and practical suggestions. I've now checked the recommended sites, trawled through eBay, and have made a few preliminary purchases. Accessing a reenactor group doing the WWI period would be ideal. Unfortunately, the reenators I know of in this area concentrate on Indian War period units. My first impression is that authentic WWI equipment is out of sight price-wise; even a set of reproduction gear runs around $150.00. Keep in mind that I have 10-12 actors to outfit and we haven't even started talking uniforms. Theatrical costume houses are a possibility, but they are expensive and, based on my experience, not necessarily authentic. I'm starting to think that I will use P37 gear, rather than the correct P08 stuff. P37 gear still seems to be readily available at a much lower cost. I think it will still look British to the audience and most won't known the difference. And finally, when the show is over, I'll be left with authentic equipment rather than a pile of repros. I still don't know what I'm going to do about uniforms and helmets...

[Leonard D]

Hi Dob, perhaps this will be of help.
Len.

http://www.greatwarassociation.com/g...rted/index.htm