The Man and The Donkey
Valerie's play, The Man and The Donkey, was commissioned by Customs House South Shields, and performed there, on the banks of the Tyne, from 3 - 12 February 2011.
The play portrays First World War heroism, action, and friendship at Gallipoli, linking Australia and north east England, through the story of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, born in South Shields, still Australia's best loved war hero, who saved countless lives with the help of a donkey, and never fired a shot. A maverick, a 'Jack the lad', technically a deserter, impatient of army discipline and careless of danger, he gave his life aged 22 to help his wounded mates. Many in his home town don't know about him, despite the statue there: in Australia, there are statues of him and the donkey doing their life-saving work with wounded soldiers, in every state. The controversial campaign for a posthumous VC goes on to this day.
The audiences responded with tears, laughter, and standing ovations.
Reviews
"Writer Valerie Laws has done a cracking job bringing this tremendous story to the stage. The piece zips along and we are unconsciously drawn into the action. The standing ovation said it all. This production deserves a life elsewhere."
"The show made me proud of our greatest hero and was a joy to watch - a sentiment the rest of the audience seemed to share."
Shields Gazette
"This play, affectionate, moving and full of laughs - and only a few yards from a good bar - is, you feel, the kind of tribute he would have appreciated."
Newcastle Journal
"Writer Valerie Laws crafted a play, which allows history and its characters to shine through, without forgetting it must be entertaining. Laugh out loud moments...are numerous, and allow a slight distraction from the harsh realities of war, without ever becoming farcical."
Newcastle Evening Chronicle
"It's deeply moving: a well-written piece about a fascinating topic, performed by an excellent cast under Fielding's clever direction with very high production values; without a doubt one of the best in-house productions from the Customs House for many years."
"The play is an enjoyable mix of pathos and humour, as North Easterner and Aussie fight side by side in the trenches... laugh out loud funny and heartbreaking all at the same time."
"This production boasts values that are second to none: ...a worthy and compelling story, and a first-class creative team."
UK Theatre Network
"The Man & the Donkey is an incredibly moving and poignant story of life, comradeship and endurance."
"For those who walk past his statue in Ocean Road without a glance, Valerie's play with its atmosphere and stylised action, brings alive all the colour and drama of Kirkpatrick's short but eventful life."
Metro