Britain's Best Recruiting Sergeant at the Unicorn Theatre

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

The Unicorn Theatre in Southwark, south London, will present Britain's Best Recruiting Sergeant , a new play by Joy Wilkinson from 13 February to 15 March 2015, with an official opening on 17 February 2015.

Suitable for ages 8 and up, this new play celebrates the life of one of the most famous Music Hall Artistes of her day, Vesta Tilley. The cast features Emily Wachter as Vesta Tilley, Mia Soteriou as Lady de Frece, Tom Espiner as Harry and Caleb Frederick as Algy.

"Vesta Tilley was a pioneering star, whose celebrated act as a male impersonator made her one of the most popular and highly paid variety performers of her generation. Her taboo-busting routine was loved by both men and women in the reserved society of Edwardian Britain. When World War One broke out, her much-loved musical act played a crucial role in military recruitment and she was nicknamed 'Britain's Best Recruitment Sergeant'."

Directed by Lee Lyford, the production will feature set and costumes by Hayley Grindle, lighting by Joshua Carr, music by Tarek Merchant and sound design by Edward Lewis.

Britain's Best Recruiting Sergeant commemorates the centenary of World War One and the 150th anniversary of Vesta Tilley's birth. Joy Wilkinson's other stage credits include 'Now is the Time' (Tricycle), 'Acting Leader' (Tricycle), 'Fair' (Finborough), and 'The Sweet Science of Bruising' (NT Studio).

Originally published on

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