The Wyvern Theatre will commemorate the centenary of World War One with a series of stage shows later this year.

The critically-acclaimed adaptation of Sebastien Faulks' Birdsong will be first up at the Wyvern between Tuesday 1 and Saturday, July 5, followed by Horrible Histories' brand new show Barmy Britain featuring a special WW1 scene between Tuesday 16 and Saturday, September 20.

It comes as many groups around the town, and country, prepare to mark 100 years since the beginning of the four-year conflict, which resulted in a devastating loss of life.

Derek Aldridge, Theatre Director, said: "I am delighted that so many theatre companies, both local and national, are producing work inspired by the events of World War One during the centenary of the start of the conflict. 

"Our audiences are promised some emotional and humbling stories which will, I hope, prove to be a fitting commemoration of this defining period in our history."

Shortly before Remembrance Day, the Arts Centre will host the Phoenix Players production of Oh! What A Lovely War, from Wednesday 5 to Saturday, November 8.

A large cast sing, act and dance through the show, whcih uses popular songs form the 1914-1918 period.

Swindon Does Arts Hero Award winner Daphne Breakspear said: "We wanted to do it as a Phoenix tribute to the people who fought and died for our country during World War One and we’re approaching the production with that thought in mind.

"The show is like a chronicle of WW1 – it’s got humour and pathos – it’s got a little bit of everything in it."

Other events include Twelve Ten Fifteen, on Friday, September 19, at the Arts Centre, which tells the harrowing story of Edith Cavell.

Written by Clive Holland, directed by Mary Swan the story of how she was shot by firing squad in Belgium for concealing and smuggling away allied soldiers is recounted on stage.

Then things go up a gear in Novmeber, as we near Remembrance Day.

The Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Wyvern on Sunday November 2 from 2pm, with performances from the Wessex Male Choir, the Western Players and the Goddard Park Primary School choir.

The following day, Monday, November 3, Scamp Theatre's adaptation of Private Peaceful, the book by Michael Morpurgo, will visit the Wyvern Theatre.

The Western Players are back in action again between Wednesday 5 and Saturday, November 8 from 7.30pm in R.C Sheriff's Journey's End.

The Arts Centre will host two further events, including Passion, a new play with live music telling the stories of five soldiers and families 100 years apart, and A November Day by Thingumajig Theatre told using pupets and live music.

For prices, times and admission details visit https://swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/.