The Accrington Pals, The Bryce, Burneside Peter Whelan’s play tells how the men of Accrington bravely rallied to Lord Kitchener’s appeal to fight for King and country but in the fields of France lost their lives.

Terrible, turbulent times that mercilessly tore families and friends apart.

Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society staged a three-night run of the Pals.

This was a solid ensemble performance, stripped back, that relied entirely on acting ability.

It was a united effort, absorbing for the audience, with a cleverly crafted and inventive set put together by director Gordon Lawson and his hard-working team.

Each actor skilfully played off the other.

Sue Cook was a very capable and spirited Annie, young talent Chris Calder as her son Reggie gave his all and Sarah Kidd was totally at ease and able in the role of Eva.

Bubbly Dana Smith and Jen Armistead looked amazingly comfortable in their respective roles of Sarah and Bertha and as soldiers caught up in the turmoil, on both home and foreign fronts, Adam Carruthers (Ralph), Dan Taylor (Tom), John Dodds (Arthur) and Martin Cash, as their battalion sergeant major Rivers, gave sterling performances.

The centre of the stage though belonged to Helen Little.

With probably the largest chunk of lines to learn she gave a consumate portrayal of ‘tartar’ May.

BATS emboldened players shone brightly in a play based on some of the darkest days in history.

Adrian Mullen