Frank McGuinness's 1985 play is the one chosen to bring a slice of the 1980s to Hampstead Theatre as this exciting fringe venue revives a hit play from every decade of its history during its 50th anniversary year. Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme is a deeply political look at the motivations driving eight Irish Unionist soldiers who volunteered to fight in the British Army during the First World War, but its heartbeat ultimately relies on the men's relationships. Without filmic special effects, the unspeakable ravages of war come to us through the memories of the only survivor and are seen in the faces of the young men; their jokes and their camaraderie, their fear and their grappling. On that first blood-soaked day of the Battle of the Somme, the play casts its mind back to the Battle of the Boyne exactly 226 years before and the sense of "recycled history that propels these men to their death" (The Independent) is chillingly present.
(Image: Imperial War Museum)
What's on at
Hampstead Theatre
I Found My Horn 10th November 2009 - 28th November 2009 Rather than some theatrical story about purchasing Viagra, this really...
Price: Preview (10th Nov) and Mondays £15
Visiting Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme
The Mouse Queen
Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3
7th December 2006 - 6th January 2007
One of the most popular pieces of children's theatre to grace the London stage in... More
Alternative Theatre
Nearest to Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme
Rather than some theatrical story about purchasing Viagra, this really is a play about one man finding his Horn: the French Horn. Japer Rees has ...More
The Tricycle Theatre certainly doesn't dodge the issues - it's always keen to premiere challenging multicultural work, getting under the skin of society and delving ...More
Camden Stables Market gets its name from its previous incarnation as a horse hospital. In Victorian times, the stables were where horses injured pulling barges ...More
Located in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods, Dawson House Hotel certainly lives up to the exclusivity of its local area Hampstead. Located in ...More
Sigmund Freud's family home in Hampstead.
A comfortable couch covered in chenille cushions atop an exotic, richly coloured Iranian rug forms the centrepiece to this museum ... More
This Victorian building, now home to the InterChange Trust - a charitable organisation which helps disadvantaged young people - was erected by public subscription in ...More
Marks and Spencer (M&S) is one of Britain’s most reliable and trusted stores, famed for selling high quality food, clothing and lingerie and household goods. ...More
Cheap, catalogue-based chain store which sells almost everything. Argos is a bit of national institution and offers good deals on all sorts of household goods, ...More
This classy, friendly restaurant has just opened a sister branch and deserves all the success it has won, including a recent Best London Oriental award ...More
The London School of Yoga attempts to demystify Yoga, eliminating the intimidating jargon and self-important ritual that so often attaches itself to the activity. Skilled ... More
The state-of-the-art Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre is a great community sports facility for the people of north London to run, swim or kick off their ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Frank McGuinness's 1985 play is the one chosen to bring a slice of the 1980s to 
