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Deadly wartime secret revealed Confessions of Honour The Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield
THE upstairs function room at The Station has recently been refurbished with the stage extended, a new lighting rig installed, and the sound system upgraded. As a consequence the calibre of production possible at the venue has improved and is able to attract plays and actors such as was on offer on the opening night of The Opus Theatre Company's Confessions of Honour. Endgame: Ex-German soldier Wolfgang Meissler, played by
Gerry Hinks, (left) has a secret to reveal to Cpl Frederick
Salisbury VC, played by Keith Minshull. This production has played in London's West End
at the Jermyn Street Theatre, it is highly appropriate that it should
also appear locally, as the setting is nearby Whittington Barracks,
home to the Staffordshire Regiment. The Stafford's themselves have a rich history including the distinction of having served abroad for the longest ever tour – 57 years in Antigua! A distinction which probably merits a story all of its own, but that is not where this tale finds its drama. Instead it is in the story of Frederick Salisbury, who is waiting to hand over the Victoria Cross he won in the Second World War to his old regiment. There is to be a ceremony, a march past, and a glittering dinner in the mess. One of the guests though, is an old German
soldier who seems to know rather more about the VC, and Fred , than he
expected and has a secret Fred would rather not hear. It is written and directed by Rugeley actor and
playwright Gerry Hinks (Rev Graham Broadbent in Coronation Street), who
also stars as Wolfgang Meissler , the mysterious guest in this three
hander.
The plot, on a single set, skilfully unfolds in
intriguing, and hugely enjoyable, style. Salisbury is played by Keith
Minshull, whilst Alison Joynes plays the part of Sgt Major Karen Baker
who is hosting her distinguished retired Regimental colleague. The opening is a fond trip down memory lane for an old soldier with the differences between Army life now, and then, affectionately lampooned. As the official proceedings draw nearer the script shifts a gear as courage and decoration are explored, before Wolfgang Meissler appears, a man with a secret. The suspense of that secret is worked
till it is wrung dry, before the story shifts into top gear for the
conclusion. Well cast, the characterisation is a delight.
Salisbury is the reflective reluctant hero, but proud with it. Baker the
kindly window on a modern Army, yet as steeped in tradition and service
as her guest of honour. Meissler is mysterious and Teutonic, a
stereotype – but with a twist. Hinks's writing neatly captures and combines
the mood of old soldier's reminiscences, with accurate historical
references such as the origins of how the Victoria Cross itself is cast.
Thoughtful, wry, amusing and often poignant, yet never overly
sentimental, “Confessions of Honour” is a little gem which plays for a
second night at the Station on 20th October, 7.45pm,
tickets available on the door. Gary Longden
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