The Last Bantam

What a spell-binding performance. Truly a great pice of theatre. A must-see event.

Fabulous piece. Saw this at the Fringe last year, and this longer version adds further depth to the works of the "Bantams". Delivered with real control and gravitas, Michael reels in his audience and holds them spellbound. If you're able to today, make sure you see his last performance. You won't regret it. A fitting tribute to this heroic group of soldiers. Sublime.

What a masterpiece ! Firstly, this is a very moving story with a very good script but most importantly : what a performance. This is probably one of the best stage actors I've seen this Fringe, I have goosebumps just thinking about it.

Absolutely superb. Well researched and delivered.
Michael gave a compelling and passionate performance of a subject that has been shamefully forgotten.

The most moving thing I saw at the fringe in 2024 was Michael Hughes' monologue about the trials of a small Irish man in 1914 trying to get into the British Army because the British Government offered home rule to Ireland if enough Irish volunteered to fight in WW1. It was the story of the Bantam regiments as they were known, all men under 5' 3", and how they came to fight and die in WW1. Mr Hughes spoke alone for 50 minutes and with the the props of his muddy but immaculate WW1 uniform took us into the emotions and history of the time. Brilliantly acted with conviction I cannot give praise high enough. It deserves to be televised and shown in UK and Ireland.

A wonderfully well acted show for the Edinburgh Fringe about the almost forgotten story of the Bantam soldiers and it has the perfect story that tells us all about The Last Bantam surviving soldier played excellently by Michael Hughes whom takes the whole audience on a journey through the mind and stories and he does so perfectly and after this performance Michael was handed an award for his shows performance which was well deserved so congratulations again
The Last Bantam was directed by Jonathan Hansler an accomplished actor and writer from the world of theatre and television which added extra greatness to this show and we highly recommend you do not miss this magnificent award winning show which we are giving a well deserved 5 stars
☆☆☆☆☆

A thouroghly engaging and thought provoking show highlighting courage and indefatigably in standing up to do what’s right agajnst predjudices and outright hostility (and not only from the enemy).
A powerhouse of a performance from the actor who perfectly captures the character of the Irish Corporal, sharing with us his angst and humour in the face of such odds.

This is a very moving and thought-provoking performance by Michael Hughes. The topics of war, height, Irish politics, rank structure and social background are all woven together to produce a sensitive character with intense feelings. Mr Hughes is an excellent actor and must be thanked for highlighting the Bantam batallions (which most people have never heard of) and Irish affairs in the first World War.

This is a brilliant show. It is historically very informative and also very authentic feeling. Michael Hughes in an excellent actor and he provides a very moving and convincing portrayal of individuals who were stigmatised for their shorter stature both when being prohibited from joining the British army (for this reason) and then even after rule changes allowed them to join. There are also some fascinating insights into the Eire-UK political situation around this time. This show deserves a much wider audience!

A bold thought provoking one man piece shedding light on important forgotten history. Well researched, great characterisation, deeply moving and entertaining throughout.

In The Last Bantam, Michael Hughes performs his own monologue about a soldier from Dublin who joins one of the Bantam battalions formed by the British army from men between 5' and 5'3" in height. Using the story of the character Patrick Wolfe, light is shed on the Bantams, and the role of both the Nationalist and Unionist Irish in the First World War, including the Easter Rising. The play therefore illustrates unusual angles on the familiar Fringe subject of the war, and Michael is an engaging and enthusiastic performer.

A briliantly delivered monologue, highlighting prejudice and an historical slant on a part of WW1 that many of us may not fully understand. A thought provoking show that I would highly recommend.

This is a well performed monologue that casts the audience as a team of journalists at the Front who want to find out about the ‘Bantam’ soldiers. Michael Hughes is an engaging storyteller and the show is gives an interesting perspective on a lesser-known side of WW1. Authentic costume and sound design add to the atmosphere.

Unusual WW1 story. Great delivery. Amazing show. The backdrop of the events in Dublin in 1916 was thought provoking.

Powerful one person show based on WW1 history. On recommendation, my dad (90) and I, dropped our planned show to go see Michael Hughes in this one person story. He is a great story teller, engaging, dramatic and authentic. We highly recommend you go see this show. History brought to life.