A BRAND new piece of theatre comes to Ludlow on Thursday, April 23, based on the real letters sent between a group of six Shropshire women between 1917 and 1920.

Set against a background of war, My Dearest Girls: The Letters Book takes a close look at the experiences of these women. While two of the girls remain in Shropshire, the others have moved to London, Birmingham, Bury St Edmonds and Kent, offering different views and perspectives of the war years in town, city and country. In doing so, each reveals the story of her everyday life; as farmers, office workers, factory hands and teachers.

There is gossip and hints of scandal, reprimands and reprisals, tales of dancing for royalty, fiancés on the frontline and problems closer to home (such as how to feed 100 chickens while on rations!).

Produced by Pippa Frith, My Dearest Girls is an enchanting combination of character, music and lyrical storytelling. Content is based on original source material, and writer and performer Francesca Millican-Slater invites the audience to meet, hear and imagine the lives of these women.

This stage production is presented in partnership with Arts Alive and Shropshire Archives, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and local theatre company Pentabus.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms spokesperson Selina Cross says “With the centenary of World War I now upon us, we are delighted to bring this timely and unique exploration of women’s life in the early 20th century to audiences in Ludlow. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience a real piece of local history”.

My Dearest Girls: The Letters Book is at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Thursday, April 23 at 8pm. To book, call the box office on 01584 878141 or visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk