THE critically acclaimed new play, Lotty’s War, has now embarked on its first large scale tour of the country, which will take in Malvern, before it’s planned West End run in 2015.

Featuring an all-star cast of Olivia Hallinan (Lark Rise to Candleford, Sugar Rush and Girls in Love), Mark Letheren (Wire in the Blood, Casualty and The Bill) and Adam Gillen (Benidorm, Fresh Meat, Prisoners Wives) and will be appearing at Malvern’s Festival Theatre from September 15-20.

Directed by Bruce Guthrie, one of the hottest emerging talents in the industry and tipped as being “the new Sam Mendes”, Lotty’s War is set during the occupation of the Channel Islands in the Second World War, the only piece of Britain captured by the Nazi’s.

Based on recently discovered diaries, this forgotten chapter of British history is brought to life on stage in a thrilling love story.

It was back on the June 28, 1940, a squadron of German bombers raided the main harbour of Guernsey, killing 44 islanders including Lotty’s Dad. With the last boat to England gone and the brutal German Army taking hold, Lotty is housed in close quarters with her sworn enemy, in particular General Bernberg.

In a tempestuous struggle between her loyalty to her homeland and the temptations of forbidden love, Lotty dares to tread a passionate and dangerous path to save a friend and her island. Based on true events, this play is a fascinating story of love, loyalty and betrayal.

Thanks to the Guernsey Arts Commission, the creation of Lotty’s War was made possible with their financial support of the initial production. It was written by island born Giuliano Crispini, and premiered in Guernsey in 2008 at the Princess Centre of Performing Arts to great critical acclaim before transferring to the Greenwich Theatre. Now it has its national tour before heading for London’s West End.