Helmsley: audio play brings to life Second World War memories

‘At Mustapha’s Grave’, is the new audio play by playwright Helena Fox.

It was inspired by the first-hand testimonies of Helmsley residents, Ken Claridge and Anthony Barker.

The play will launch online on VE Day, on May 8, as part of Helmsley Arts Centre’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, with a public sharing on May 12, at the arts centre at 1pm.

Ken Claridge was just six years old when he travelled alone by train from Kings Cross Station to Helmsley as an evacuee, accompanied only by his teddy and wearing a luggage label with his name and destination on.

Ken Claridge as a boy in Duncombe Park (Image: Supplied)

Ken's teddy with his luggage label (Image: Supplied)

Ken's luggage label (Image: Supplied)

He returned to the town later in life and became the owner of Claridges of Helmsley bookshop.

The title, At Mustapha’s Grave, comes from a landmark along the River Rye where Anthony and Ken went as children.

It is the burial place of a horse - a white charger called Mustapha.

Mustapha's grave (Image: The Helmsley Archive)

Playwright Helena explained how Mustapha accompanied his master, the Earl of Feversham, and the men of the town - including Anthony’s father, Kit Barker - from Helmsley Market Place to the Battle of the Somme.

The play was developed from previously recorded conversations between Ken and Anthony, who died before the play was written.

Anthony as a boy (Image: Supplied)

At Mustapha’s Grave follows significant moments in the war through the eyes of two young boys, allowing the listener to eavesdrop on their conversations as they reflect on the events unfurling and the impact on family life.

It is performed by actors Joe Gregory as Ken in 1995, with 10-year-old James Lawson as the young Ken, and 9-year-old Jack Lamb playing the young Anthony.

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Director Diana Gaunt said: “I’d heard Anthony and Ken chatting together about how Ken first arrived in Helmsley as an evacuee all those years ago and about their memories of Helmsley becoming one of Churchill’s ‘garrison towns’ in that war, as well as their fathers experiences in the First World War, and I thought these are important local memories that should be captured and shared somehow.”

Ken Claridge with young actors James Lawson and Jack Lamb (Image: Supplied)

Playwright Helena added: “I’ve tried to capture an important time in a communities shared past through first hand testimony, but I’m also trying to shine a light on the very personal and human stories within the shared heritage, the impact these significant national events have had on individual lives during and after the wars.”

A private pre-screening was attended by Anthony’s wife, Jane, alongside Ken and his wife, June, earlier this year at Helmsley Arts Centre.

Ken said: “I was very impressed. It brought back memories, you’re suddenly back part of it.”

“The two young boys, Jack and James, are wonderful and I hope it will allow younger generations to get an insight into life here during the war.

“It is something we should always remember.”

For more information, visit: https://www.helmsleyarts.co.uk/