The world premiere of a new play, ‘It is Easy to be Dead,’ written by Neil McPherson and produced by Bréon Rydell took place in Summer 2016 at the Finborough Theatre, London. The play, based on the life and literary works of a Scottish poet, Charles Hamilton Sorley, who was killed in action, aged 21y, in WW1, transferred to the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End, in November 2016, and was nominated for an Olivier Award, the following February.
It Is Easy To Be Dead—reviews and awards poster.
October 2018
Charles Hamilton Sorley—’It is Easy to be Dead’
After two and a half years of spearheading a campaign to bring the forgotten Aberdonian WW1 poet home to Scotland, Bréon Rydell was invited to host, together with Michael Pederson, one of the founders of Neu! Reekie!, a special commemorative event in honour of CHS, at the Scottish Poetry Library, held in October 2018.
In his presentation, Bréon was able to highlight the remarkable literary legacy of Sorley, brought to life in the play written by his friend and fellow Scot, Neil McPherson. Bréon went on to stress to the packed hall how important it was that Sorley’s poetry and prose were both recognised and protected, not least in his native Scotland.
Charles Hamilton Sorley, Scottish poet (1895-1915)
Michael Pederson and Bréon Rydell recited poems from the play and also some of their own work, including one of Bréon’s poems, ‘The Sentinels,’ which had been included as the Epilogue to the recently published book, ‘Homage to Humanity,’ by the photojournalist, Jimmy Nelson. Michael read a piece from his critically acclaimed ‘Oyster’ collection, in addition to a poem published in Neu! Reekie!’s #Untitled One anthology, ‘Frightened Rabbit,’ by recently demised Scottish singer, songwriter, Scott Hutchison.
Alex Knox, who played the part of Charles Hamilton Sorley in the London productions of ‘It is Easy to be Dead,’ read extracts from the play, and provided insight into how Sorley’s poems and letters had shaped his own stage performance.
Rachel Sermanni at the Scottish Poetry Library
© 2018 Kat Gollock
As a musical contribution to conclude this special evening’s programme, three songs were presented by Scottish folk musician, Rachel Sermanni. Rachel left the audience rapt and lightened, to reflect on the remarkable achievements that Sorley had managed to accomplish in the few creative years of his tragically short life.
‘It is Easy to be Dead’ was performed at the TIVOLI Theatre, Aberdeen, and at Òran Mór, Glasgow, in November 2018. On 02 November 2018, a commemorative plaque in honour of CHS, was unveiled in Aberdeen, Sorley’s birthplace, by representatives of Aberdeen City Council.
