MEDIA RELEASE Friday, 20 September 2019
Joining forces with East Riding Theatre on poignant original drama exploring the First World War's impacts on our region
Beverley Building Society is excited to be supporting East Riding Theatre's new original play, Horseshoes for Hand Grenades, as sponsor.
As part of its ongoing commitment to this outstanding local venue, the Society has donated £1,000 towards the staging of this Autumn production. The money will also fund a special minibus trip being organised by the community transport charity, Beverley Community Lift, for 14 of its members to enjoy one of the performances, on Wednesday 9thOctober.
Horseshoes for Hand Grenadesis a new piece of writing by Richard D Cushing which explores the passions, hopes and struggles of a Yorkshire community trying to come to terms with the devastation of World War I.This inaugural production and world premiere of the playwill run at the theatre on Lord Roberts Road, from Friday 26September until 19October.
It follows the story of Andrew, who wants to be an artist, not a blacksmith like his father and grandfather before him.
The show's programme reads: "Andrew has great plans for himself and his sweetheart Emily. The Great War, unfortunately, has other plans for the able-bodied men of the East Riding! As the brutal war in Europe lays waste to the young men of Great Britain, life is changed forever. After the last shot is fired, Emily waits for Andrew, on the station platform as the wounded return from the front.
Did he survive? What will the future hold? Will life ever be the same?"
Beverley Building Society Chief Executive, Karl Elliott, said: "East Riding Theatre has been one of our key community partners for over two years now, and we're delighted to have the unique opportunity to get involved with this outstanding show.
"Established in 1866, we're one of the region's longest-standing institutions and operated through both World Wars. We're also acutely conscious that many of our members and their families were deeply affected by it, and that the experiences highlighted in this play will chime deeply with them.
"Therefore, it's our privilege to support both bringing it to life and making it accessible to more people in collaboration with our other respected community partner, Beverley Community Lift."
East Riding Theatre's Sue Kirkman said: "It is vitally important for theatres like ours to forge positive partnerships with local businesses for new initiatives like this one, and we are one again very grateful for Beverley Building Society's support."
Fiona Wales, Manager of Beverley Community Lift, added: "Our trips are hugely popular with our passengers and tickets for the production were snapped up very quickly. We're very grateful to the Beverley Building Society for part-funding this extra treat, to benefit members of the local community who can't easily visit the theatre otherwise."
Our Mortgage Manager Jess was lucky enough to join the cast during their first week of rehearsals, for a behind-the-scenes peek at their preparations.
She said: "It was really fascinating to witness the process the theatre team and cast go through in bringing a script like this to life. They painstakingly consider every line and try it over and over again until they get the tone just right.
"I personally can't wait to see how their efforts translate into the finished production - it promises to be fantastic!"
As an additional contribution, the Society will be giving away five pairs of free tickets to its members for the production's opening night. Names will ‘drawn from a hat', and anyone who would like to take part should ask the Society's friendly branch team for details.
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact Tracy Fletcher of By Tracy Fletcher Limited PR via 07983 633385 ortracy@bytracyfletcher.com
Notes for Editors
Horseshoes for Hand Grenades
Running at East Riding Theatre, 10 Lord Roberts Road, Beverley, HU17 9BE, from 26 September to 19 October, at 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm.
Tickets: Adults £18, Concs. £17, Students/Under 23 £15, Child £12. For more details, visit
www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk, or call the Box Office on 01482 874050.
About Beverley Building Society
Beverley is the only independent building society in East Yorkshire. We have been supporting our community since 1866 and are committed to contributing to the vibrancy of our region by making a difference.
As a true independent, we are committed to living mutuality by building better futures for our members, new and existing borrowers and savers, our people, our community and our sector at large.
We're powered by highly committed colleagues who go over and above, every day, to offer our customers quality, friendly, personal service.
In an age where the financial services market is moving, at pace, towards AI-powered, automated solutions, we believe there is a place for people-centred financial services and are passionate about maintaining that personal touch.
We aim to make enough profit to ensure the Society is financially strong and sustainable, and can invest in continual product and service improvements for our members. We do not pay staff bonuses and all our profits are re-invested to support this goal.