Lanark Grammar For God, King and Country Music 2014

The 350-capacity school hall and 550-capacity Lanark Memorial Hall are expected to be packed to the rafters for God, King and Country Music on two dates this month.

“Preparations are going really well,” said Grammar history teacher Fergie Robson, who wrote the script and songs for a show which follows a young boy joining the Army against his better judgement in August 1914.

“The cast have been working on this for over a year and they are getting excited now. They will get in trouble if they forget their lines!”

More than 50 pupils in S1 to S6 and over 30 staff members are involved in the show.

The one younger pupil is primary seven Lanark Primary School pupil Jessica Robson (Fergie’s daughter), who is playing bass guitar.

Fergie explained that the cast of 24 youngsters were “pretty much all boys” due to the show being a war story, but the band consisted of 11 girls.

The opening scenes of God, King and Country Music focus on a boy soldier who gradually becomes accustomed to fighting after befriending a battle-hardened older soldier in France.

The unit of soldiers in the trenches all begin to question the purpose of the war they’re fighting in, this seemingly never-ending conflict.

South Lanarkshire Council is funding the production with authentic costumes and props provided by specialist military film/TV/theatre suppliers.

Directed by Ruth Darroch, God, King and Country Music has productions in Lanark Grammar on Armistice Day on Tuesday, November 11 and afternoon and evening shows in Lanark Memorial Hall on Thursday, November 13.

Freelance photographer Sarah Peters was on hand to capture the action for the Gazette at a recent rehearsal and her pictures are featured in our slideshow, created by Editor Julie Currie.

Sarah’s pictures can be purchased now in the Buy a Photo section on this website.