HALE station will become a place of nostalgia when Theatre in the Quarter, famous for drama in unusual places, present Over by Christmas.

Hale is one of 23 stations where this poignant production about the hopes and fears of men leaving for World War I can be seen.

Matt Baker, the company’s artistic director said:

“People will recognise songs such as Pack up your Troubles and Keep the Home Fires Burning but I have composed two new ones. One is called It will All be Over by Christmas, a common thought at the time.

“The other is based on Laurence Binyon’s poem They shall not Grow Old.”

A newspaper boy played by three separate nine-year-olds, links events.

Matt said: “We get a glimpse of Kitchener. There is a moment of Vesta Tilley persuading the men to fight. There will be soldiers and nurses and the women left behind.”

Many of the singers will come from the 200 strong Cantata Music of which Matt is the President although only 50 will appear at each performance. They will be accompanied by accordion, flute and trumpet.

“It is about the futility of war. World War 1 was such a life changing event.”

Matt was grateful for the support of Sally Buttifant, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer.

“The idea came to life thanks to her. She made it incredibly easy for us.”

Over by Christmas, part of the Imperial War Museum’s First World War Centenary Project, will be performed on September 20 at 2 pm. Admission free.