Enthralling new play ‘The Valentine Letters’ coming to The Mission Theatre

A new play ‘The Valentine Letters’ by Steve Darlow and adapted from the book Geprüft by Stanton Prior resident Frances Zagni, will show at The Mission Theatre, Bath, as part of the Bath Fringe on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 June. 

The play is based upon the Second World War letters between Frances’ parents, Bomber Command airman and Prisoner of War John Valentine, and his wife Ursula.

These letters, originally compiled and edited by John and Ursula’s daughter, Frances Zagni, provide a unique and unprecedented insight in to how two people struggled to find solace and keep their hopes and love alive despite the anxieties of John’s dangerous operational life, his three years behind barbed wire, and Ursula’s endeavours raising a newborn under the constant threat of aerial attack. The Valentine Letters is a testament to the pain of separation, isolation, coping, and change, interspersed with humorous and heartwarming moments. A remarkable account of the effect of the Second World War on the lives of a young married couple and their generation.

Image: The Valentine's Letters 

Writer Steve Darlow said: ‘In my years of writing and research I have met many veterans, their wives, and families. Those who returned from the war also suffered, as did those close to them, having to find ways to deal with their loved one’s experience. This play, adapted from over 600 letters exchanged by John and Ursula, is a reminder of the struggle, the aftermath, and the consequence of war at a personal level. We must never forget the sacrifice made in terms of lives lost, and the lasting damage, mental and physical, to those who took part.’ 

Director Jo Emery said: 'It’s a real privilege to be able to work on this moving and touching piece of new writing with three talented actors, Tom Hilton in the role of John, Katie Hamilton in the role of Ursula, and Charlotte Drummond-Dunn in the role of Frances. Anyone coming to see the show should be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as we share Frances, John, and Ursula’s dramatic, yet often witty and certainly heartwarming story.

The Valentine Letters plays at The Mission Theatre (32 Corn Street, Bath, BA1 1UF) from Tuesday 4 June to Wednesday 5 June at 7.30pm. 

Box Office: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thevalentineletters. Tickets are £16 full price and £14 concessions.