War Brides, a one-act play Western Players Swindon Library

With all the current commemorations for the start of World War I, the Western Players, added their contribution to the proceedings.

They are performing not just one, but two, plays to keep alive the memories of the cruel events that were the Great War.

Although they normally perform on the stage of the Arts Centre, this play was in a very different setting - Swindon Library - and showed the group's versatility in performing on less traditional stages.

While many others of the group were busy rehearsing at a nearby community centre for the next wartime production, Journey's End, the cast of this play delivered an emotional performance of War Brides.

War Brides was written by Marion Craig Wentworth and is set in 'a war ridden country' and showed how a family can be torn apart by the emotional conflict of war.

The play questioned the role of women at the time of war, and the sacrifices that were made by those who entered a marriage for their country rather than for love.

Due to the confines of the library the set was basic, but the drama unfolded in a very thought-provoking way.

Each member of the cast portrayed their character with suitable emotion, and the audience, although small, was appreciative.

With only one act, the play seemed to finish in a flash, but perhaps can be seen as powerful warm-up to what comes next, Journey's End , a moving play set in the trenches. If this play is anything to go by, it will be one not to be missed.

Journey's End is on at the Arts Centre from November 5 to 8. ANNE HARVEY