YORK Musical Theatre Company will mark the centenary of the First World War by linking up with the Thirsk Royal British Legion Band for a programme of poetry, words and music remembering those who fought, lived and died in the Great War.

Devised and directed by company member Moira Murphy, In Flanders’ Fields will be presented at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, on Sunday at 3pm and 7.30pm and tickets are selling fast for both shows.

Moira explains how the idea for the event emerged.

"Having been profoundly humbled and moved by two visits to Ypres – Leper as it is known today – it dawned on me that wherever I walked, I was walking on someone’s grave," she says.

"I also became interested in Colonel John McCrae, who wrote the poem, In Flanders Fields, and so I visited his Dressing Station, next door to a cemetery known as Essex Farm, and many other cemeteries and places of significance.

"All this led to my writing and compiling a booklet of my visits. When the question of York Musical Theatre Company’s tribute to the Fallen arose, I wanted to avoid it becoming a 'history lesson' just quoting facts and figures. I was keen to create a tribute using poetry, prose and music appreciating and respecting those terrible times, In Flanders Fields"

The Thirsk Royal British Legion Band's contribution will be to entertain the audience with stirring and uplifting music. Tickets cost £10 on 01904 612961 or at yorkmusicaltheatrecompany.org.uk