The Last Bantam
Theatre (drama, historical)
-
Venue 152Paradise in Augustines - The Snug
- 14:15
- Aug 25
- 45 minutes
- Country: Ireland
- Group: Michael Hughes
- Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Set in a war zone. Description of violence.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Description
1914. The world is at war. The British army recruits 50,000 men between 5’ and 5’3" to fight. These men came from all over Britain, Ireland and Canada. Known as Bantams after the small, aggressive rooster, they were formed into special Bantam battalions. 1918. Bouzincourt, France. One Bantam remains: Patrick Michael Wolfe, a teacher from Dublin. This is his story. Inspired by real events. Directed by Jonathan Hansler. ‘Elegantly performed’ ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info ). ‘Excellent’ ***** (UKTW.co.uk). ‘Outstanding’ **** (PlaysInternational.org.uk). ‘Giant of a play’ **** (Derek Awards).Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: The audience enter from George IV Bridge, with a couple of steps to enter the building. A temporary ramp is also available. The Snug is located downstairs, via a single width staircase. The audience enter in the side of the auditorium. The front row is all level access.
- Stairs: 20+
Wheelchair access type: Not fully wheelchair accessible
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
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- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Andrea Hayes 11 days ago
What a spell-binding performance. Truly a great pice of theatre. A must-see event.
Andrew Slade 14 days ago
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.
Rosa 14 days ago
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.
Mark Costello 14 days ago
Absolutely superb. Well researched and delivered.
Michael gave a compelling and passionate performance of a subject that has been shamefully forgotten.
Rory O'B 15 days ago
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.
Moreish TV 17 days ago
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
☆☆☆☆☆
James Aitken 17 days ago
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.
Geoffrey Scott 18 days ago
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.
Bernard Gallagher 19 days ago
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!
Nick & Louise 19 days ago
A bold thought provoking one man piece shedding light on important forgotten history. Well researched, great characterisation, deeply moving and entertaining throughout.
Jon Smith 20 days ago
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.
Nigel Q 25 days ago
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.
James Trapmore 25 days ago
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.
Jane B 30 days ago
Unusual WW1 story. Great delivery. Amazing show. The backdrop of the events in Dublin in 1916 was thought provoking.
Michael Gray 31 days ago
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.
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Fringe Review 22 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.