The Docklands Blitz with People's War Author John Willis

Theatreship, London's Docklands' distinctive independent arts venue, is honoured to host a special evening with acclaimed author and historian, John Willis, as we commemorate the resilience of the local community during the Second World War.

On November 4th, join us as we delve into Willis's latest work, The People's War, Life on the Battlefront and at Home in World War II with readings of real-life accounts, most unheard until now, archive and compelling discussion.

This event will not only illuminate the everyday lives of ordinary Londoners during the Blitz but will also feature powerful archival footage of the bomb attacks that took place exactly where Theatreship now sits. It is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the heritage of our historic dockland and understand the profound impact of the war on our local community.

In the early 2000s, the BBC launched its biggest oral history project, recording the lives and experiences of the ordinary people who lived through World War II. It amounted to 47,000 testimonies and over 400 diaries and letters, all of which have remained unexplored in the archives for twenty years – until now.

In The People's War, John Willis reveals untold stories of everyday bravery, moments of terror, and tales of life-affirming community, that guide us through the years of the World War II. From soldiers in North Africa and prisoners of war in East Asia, to evacuees in the British countryside and women in the factories, The People's War is a truly ambitious and comprehensive journey through a devastating and pivotal period of our history, as you've never read before. Follow the remarkable stories of ordinary individuals who lived, fought, grieved, loved, and survived through the war.

Please join us for this special event where signed copies of The People's War will be available.

Recorded accounts include Christine Kavanagh. Christine recently starred in Netflix's The Diplomat and on stage in An Inspector Calls. She is currently touring China in a sell-out tour of Murder On the Orient Express. She is the lead actor on the Penguin audiobook of The People's War.

John Wilis is also author of Churchill's Few: The Battle of Britain, Secret Letters: A Battle of Britain Love Story and Nagasaki: The Forgotten Prisoners.

John studied history at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. One of Britain’s best-known television executives, he held posts as Director of Programmes at Channel 4 and Director of Factual and Learning at the BBC. In 2012, he was elected Chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He is currently Chair of Governors at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London.

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Doors open at 4pm for drinks in the bar.

Theatreship is committed to broadening access to the arts - we know that ticket price is a huge barrier for some. If the regular ticket price is beyond what you feel able to afford for whatever reason, please don't hesitate to email us at tickets@theatreship.co.uk and we will do everything we can to help, no questions asked.

We also offer arts supporter tickets, for those that can, to pay a higher price to support the venue, the artists who perform here and subsidised tickets for others.

Due to the historic nature of the ship, we’re sorry to say there is not currently step-free access into the theatre space. We have dedicated staff on hand to help with stairs, and an onsite wheelchair once you’re inside the venue. If you have any access needs, please do e-mail us at access@theatreship.co.uk.