Preview:

Our Finest Hour, Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, The Anvil

IN COMMEMORATION of the miracle of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, Our Finest Hour will see stars of stage and screen Peter Bowles and Kevin Whately host a series of triumphant and rousing concerts across the United Kingdom, including one at The Anvil on Saturday, September 22.

Featuring vocalist Annie Gill and the BBC Big Band, with music director Barry Forgie, Our Finest Hour looks back to the words and music of the Second World War, bringing together the famous speeches of Winston Churchill and the best tunes of the time from the dance halls and wireless.

As Britain stood alone, facing the most fearful odds, Winston Churchill rallied the nation with his historic speeches, laying bare the enormous task that had to be undertaken on the road to final victory.

Across the English channel, after the miracle of Dunkirk, the Nazi readied their invasion plans but the Battle of Britain denied the Luftwaffe control of the skies and the Nazis turned instead towards attacking the Soviet Union.

The music and songs of the era evoke so tellingly the national feelings of pride and determination mixed with typical British humour and a touch of self-deprecation.

From Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields to the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller, the music of the 1940s is as well-loved today as ever.

Our Finest Hour will feature iconic songs such as We’ll Meet Again, (There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover and A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square as well as some of the classic music the war inspired, including the Dam Busters March and the music from Ron Goodwin’s classic scores to Battle of Britain and 633 Squadron.

Dunkirk Spirit and audience participation will be encouraged through rousing performances of Rule, Britannia!, I Vow to Thee My Country, and Land of Hope and Glory.

Tickets for the 7.30pm performance are priced at £32.50, and £30 for concessions.

To book, go to anvilarts.org.uk or call 01256 844244.