Every year at the Edinburgh Fringe I learn something new inside one of the many Theatres across Edinburgh. This year is no different as I learn all about the “Bantam Army” in WW1.

Writer and performer Michael Hughes brings his first serious solo production to the Edinburgh Fringe entitled The Last Bantam.

During the WW1 campaign men under 5ft 3inches were not allowed to sign up to be in the British Army as they were deemed too short to fight and be of any use to the British Army.

However, the requirements change and the story told by Hughes is of Patrick Michael Wolfe, who is the last one still standing by the end of the play.

The story isn’t about the survival of Wolfe. It’s about the history and treatment of the Bantam Army which they endured. The nicknames, the endless amount of secondhand uniforms that never correctly fitted and the mass purchase of size 10 boots that even with several pairs of socks would never have fitted a Bantam soldier.

Despite everything that was against them or made difficult for them they fought on regardless and were proud to fight alongside the rest of the Army. It’s not an easy story to listen to in places, but war stories never are. The trenches engulfed them and many of the German soldiers towered above them.

With respect and in honour of all those who died fighting The Last Bantam is a fitting tribute to everyone who was there and gave their lives to fight.

For more information about The Last Bantam please use the link below.

Four Stars

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-last-bantam

https://x.com/thelastbantam?lang=ar

https://greensidevenue.co.uk/

From Michael Hughes.

An original work researched and written by me (Michael Hughes) alone and it’s inspired by real events. 

The Last Bantam is my first ‘serious’ work having cut my performing teeth in character comedy. My comedy ‘Radio Moscow Roadshow’ enjoyed a sell-out run in the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe.