MARKING the centenary of the beginning of The First World War is a play about the extraordinary story of two of the ‘Great War’ poets.

Stephen MacDonald’s acclaimed play Not About Heroes appears tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 7, at Malvern’s Forum Theatre (7pm).

The friendship of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, their inter-dependency, and their poetry, will be revealed through the letters and poems of these two men as this major revival paints a vivid and moving picture of their friendship and the conflict that brought them together.

MacDonald’s beautifully written play chronicles the unique and deepening friendship that developed between Sassoon and Owen, from their first meeting in 1917 at the Craiglockhart war hospital where both were being treated for 'war neurosis', to their final meeting in August 1918, shortly before Owen's return to active duty. Seen through the eyes of the older Sassoon, the play inter-weaves extracts from their real diaries, letters and poems, coupled with vivid projection, original music, stylish design and powerful performances to create a moving, memorable piece of theatre.

One hundred years on from the beginning of the First World War, Not About Heroes is both exhilarating and uncompromising in its exploration of love, war and a friendship that changed the face of British poetry.

Meanwhile another friendship forged in the most unlikeliest of places will provide an enchanting story for children when it’s revealed at Malvern’s Forum Theatre next week.

The world renowned Thingumajig Theatre will be presenting A November Day, a lovingly created puppet show suitable for children aged 10 years and over, on October 16 (7pm).

Thingumajig Theatre transcend the everyday with their unique spirit, inviting audiences on a journey through story, emotion and imagination.

In forgotten boxes - in an attic, a woman discovers the story of her grandfather, a survivor of the First World War, and his unexpected encounter with a stray dog who knew no boundaries. With evocative puppet characters, live music and an ever-changing set, they present a timeless fable on war and the miracle of friendship when all else seems lost.

A November Day also marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One.

Originally created in 2008 in association with the Imperial War Museum North, the play offers a gentle, personal voice in this year’s commemorations.