Death or Glory

 

Arthur Ransome's gravestone stands in the grounds of Rusland church in Cumbria where he lived, fished and wrote for much of his life. He is best remembered for his marvellous children's stories such as Swallows and Amazons. Less well known is that he was a journalist in revolutionary Russia, he played chess with Lenin and his second wife was Trotsky's secretary.

 

Death or Glory braids a telling of Ransome's life and work with the contemporary story of a couple newly moved into his old house. This  is a story of loyalty, love and loss. It is a story about stories, truth and lies.

 

Cast:

 

The play requires 6 actors, 3 male, 2 female and a girl of 9 years old. The adults all either play single characters over many ages, or different characters of different ages.