It is 1939. The action begins in the Great Hall at West Australian Newspapers, 125 St George’s Terrace, Perth Western Australia. Ron Christian is a clerk in advertising; Yvonne Antoine is a pay clerk at the front desk. They meet here and a friendship develops.
Meanwhile,Ron’s best mate Bret Langridge is also very keen on Yvonne. Bret’s sister Joan and Yvonne are friends and Joan is Yvonne’s confidant in all matters Bret.
WWII is imminent and Bret has already joined the Cameron Highlanders anticipating the war will take him abroad. He convinces Ron, a conscientious objector to sign up. Ron’s father George Christian advises Ron not to fall in love as his duty is first and foremost to his King and country. But Ron goes ahead and proposes to Yvonne at the Embassy Ballroom the day before war is announced, much to Bret’s dismay.
It is 1941. Ron and Bret have trained at Northam Army Camp with the 2/16th Infantry Battalion, are now corporals and head overseas to fight in the Middle East Campaign. Their families bid them farewell as they march down St George’s Terrace to board the ships at Fremantle. Yvonne has joined the Voluntary
Aid Detachment and follows the boys overseas to Gaza where the hospital camp is situated. Later, Ron and Bret turn up unrepentantly on four days leave. Bret has been promoted to Captain, Ron as Lieutenant.
Bret is introduced to Betty Dettman, Yvonne’s friend and colleague stationed at Gaza. They all go to Bethlehem and Ron suggests that he and Yvonne marry
there. Bret advises it may be a good idea to wait until they return home and makes a pledge to marry Yvonne should anything happen to Ron.
The men return to the front in Syria to finish off the campaign and subsequently come back to Perth on leave. Ron, however has not returned with the Battalion and, because of an information blackout, there are fears for his welfare. There is a delay in communications while the Army decides where to deploy the
Australians in the next stage of the war, the Japanese invasion in the Pacific and, ultimately Port Moresby.
When Ron finally returns home, there is much rejoicing as the three friends are reunited on the wharf at Fremantle. Wedding plans are discussed but the inevitable departure of the Battalion to Queensland for intense training then New Guinea puts a hold on this happening. There are farewells again as the
Battalion boards the train for Queensland.
The Kokoda Track proves a most challenging campaign. The Japanese are advancing on a Battalion with lack of supplies, ammunition and men. It is here that the ultimate sacrifice takes place. Bret’s father Frank receives a very poignant letter from him, which sums up the morale of the Battalion.
There have been many casualties and, in the letter, Bret fears he may be next. The very next day he is killed in action at Brigade Hill on Kokoda. News of his death reaches the families back home and the grief is palpable.
Ron will never get over the death of his best mate Bret. Yvonne confides in Ron’s father George about wedding plans. Frank and Joan insist the
wedding should go ahead when Ron returns. Bret is buried in a makeshift grave on the Kokoda Track. When Ron finally returns home, it is announced that Bret will receive a Military Cross or a Mention In Dispatches for bravery at Kokoda.
Ron now a Captain also receives a Military Cross for Bravery on the Kokoda Track. Hasty wedding plans are made, as the Battalion must leave again for Borneo for the final stages of the War. The wedding takes place in Cottesloe and is a very happy occasion not withstanding the huge loss of a very fine man in
Captain Bret Langridge.
Ron leaves Yvonne behind yet again and he ultimately wins a second Military Cross in Borneo for bravery. It is now 1945. Bret receives a full Military burial
at Port Moresby and the ceremony acknowledges his contribution to peace in Australia. The conclusion of the war is a huge celebration back at Newspaper House where the two first met.
Ron Christian aged 20s (Tenor) A very personable gentleman. Kind and thoughtful but strong in his convictions.
Yvonne Antoine aged 20s (Soprano/Mezzo Soprano) The love interest. Flirtatious, caring, loyal
Bret Langridge aged 20s (Ron’s best friend) (Tenor) Determined and loyal. Knows exactly what he wants.
Betty Dettman Age 20s (Alto) Bret’s new love interest and Yvonne’s friend in the VADs.
Joan Langridge Age 20s (Alto) Bret’s sister, Frank’s daughter. A close friend and confidant to Yvonne
Frank Langridge Aged 50s (Tenor/Baritone) Bret’s father. Strong and caring. Also MC at Embassy Ballroom
Jean Langridge aged mid 40s (Alto) Bret’s stepmother and Franks relatively new wife.
George Christian Aged mid 50s (Baritone) Ron’s father. Strong, determined and an example of a true gentleman..
Cares about his wife Lily and family.
Miss Booth Aged mid 40s early 50s (The floor manager at the West Australian) Quite “bossy” and direct.
Barman (Male) Aged 40s – 50sNurse Aged 20s
Optional: One/Two couples, dancers - or large chorus.
(NB all the characters apart from Ron, Yvonne and Bret can be part of the chorus at different times).
Piano, Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin 1, Violin2, Viola, Cello, DoubleBass/ Electric Bass,
Drums, Percussion (Timps) Most parts may be doubled if needed.
