Written by Alan Forrest Smith.
Directed by Nigel Hurvey.
“Call me Bastard!”
The Father leaves a meeting knowing his nineteen-year-old son will soon be sent to war.
The Mother makes a desperate plea to stop what cannot be stopped.
The Son dreams of glory, ready to fight for his country — even if it means certain death.
The Leader calmly discusses the next strategic move.
Four voices. Four perspectives. One war.
Written over a decade ago, the work now feels chillingly prophetic — a warning for both the present and the future. Through the voices of a father, a mother, a son, and a leader, the play explores the embedding of thoughts — the seeds of conflict and unresolved ideas that give rise to the same Bastard.
War is the Bastard. And Bastard is War.
The audience is drawn into an urgent question: Is resolution ever the end — or is it only The End (for now)?
One Night Only — Intimate Setting: Only 80 Seats Available
Experience this raw, immediate theatre up close. Reserve your seats now.
“A Wake-Up Call To A Sleeping Civilisation Built On War”
“A Gritty, Disturbing, Enlightening”
“Masterfully Beautiful”
Presented by The Alan Forrest Smith Literary Foundation as part of the Altrincham Storytelling Festival
In collaboration with: Oyez Arts
Supported by: Master And Man | Arts Council England | Write Your Book Project
Credits:
Writer: Alan Forrest Smith
Director & Creative Producer: Nigel Harvey
Executive Producer: Tamara Forrest-Smith
Content note: Contains themes of war, trauma, and emotional distress. Recommended age: 14+ | Running time: ~60 minutes followed by a panel discussion with the audience.
Price:
£17.00 - £35
Location:
Oyez Art Centre: Altrincham Town Hall
Date & Time:
Saturday 20th June, 2026; 7PM
Age Guidance:
14 +
Additional Info:
Limited seats.
Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The performance is followed by a 30-minute panel discussion with the audience and creative cast.
The Production:Presented by The Alan Forrest Smith Literary Foundation as part of the Altrincham Storytelling festival.
In collaboration with Oyez Arts
Supported by:
Master And Man
Arts Council England
Write Your Book Project
Writer: Alan Forrest Smith
Director: Nigel Hurvey
Creative Producers:
Nigel Hurvey
Tamara Forrest-Smith
Executive Producer:
Tamara Forrest-Smith
Take a look at the FAQ. If you have further questions, please contact us here.
FAQ:-
Once you’ve booked your festival pass, simply email us with your chosen performance or workshop and we’ll reserve your seat.
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Refunds are only offered if a performance is cancelled. Due to limited availability and the intimate nature of the performances, tickets cannot be exchanged.
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Tickets cannot be resold via unauthorised third-party sellers. Tickets sold through unauthorised channels may be cancelled without refund.
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We use e-tickets, which will be delivered to your email address. Please present your ticket at the door.
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Unless otherwise stated, performances are suitable for ages 14+. Please refer to each event page for specific guidance.
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There are no hidden fees when purchasing tickets directly via our website. Third-party agents may charge additional fees.
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The organisers reserve the right to:
Refuse admission or ask audience members to leave
Deny latecomers entry or delay entry until a suitable break
Cancel performances due to cast illness or unforeseen circumstances (liability limited to a refund or exchange)
Provide content advisories online and via email in advance of the performance
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Drinks and snacks are available at the bar, courtesy of Oyez Arts.