SE1 theatre project shortlisted for Lottery award

Somme Theatre, which ran at the Imperial War Museum last November, has been shortlisted in the Best Heritage Project category.

Locals can now vote for the project to help it win a £2,000 prize and be featured on national TV. To register your vote for the Somme Theatre project call 0845 386 8120 or visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards – voting closes at midday on Friday 31 August.

The Old Vic and The Imperial War Museum joined forces to create Somme Theatre to raise awareness of the battle and educate people about the events of the First World War.

Lottery funding of £46,100 covered the cost of staging a play about the Battle of the Somme, entitled 'On The Middle Day', ensuring that 1,500 people could see a professional theatre production for free.

Open auditions for the cast were held and many local residents were involved in the production, both on stage and behind the scenes.

"The support we received in the semi-final was phenomenal, and we are so grateful to everyone that voted," says The Old Vic's Steve Winter. "Now we are in the final, and just hope that everyone votes for us again, to help get this project the recognition it deserves."

Winners will be announced in September.