7.15pm Week Ending, Saturday 23rd February 2002
Swindon Arts Centre
£4.50 or £3.50 concessions
Box Office: 01793 614837

(The Roads to Moscow and Unsung were OTTC's entries in the All England One Act Play Theatre Festival 2002)

OTTC is especially pleased to be entering an original work this year. "Roads to Moscow" has been written by one of our members, Pete Beard.

The story follows the recollections of a Russian veteran of the Second World War. In any other country, Levin Mikhailovich Borovski would have been proclaimed a hero, rewarded with medals, and been the role model for a generation.

But this is now post war Russia, and Levin, from the cold of the Gulag, remembers his war experiences, with key moments being played in flashback.

Inspired by the song of the same name by Al Stewart, The Roads To Moscow, tries to recount something of the bitter experiences of the Russian soldier during World War II; from the hot summer of 1941, through the horror of Stalingrad, to the surprise end for a war 'hero'.

Peter has gathered together a cast of regular OTTC performers, and experienced amateur actors from other groups, mixed with a dash of newcomers and youth.

In writing this original work, Peter's inspiration came from a mixture of sources. "The Roads to Moscow has been a favourite song of mine for many years", says Pete, "but it took on a much greater significance when I read 'Stalingrad' by Antony Beever. "

For Pete, the two seemed to meld naturally together, and made the writing of this play an ambition fulfilled.

However, "Roads to Moscow" isn't for the faint hearted. It takes in some of the bloodiest fighting of the last war.

"It is a compelling tale though", says Pete. "I hope it will make the audience think, and maybe appreciate the life we now have."