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The Last Bantum

Name: The Last Bantum
Start: 2025-05-08T19:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-05-08T23:59:59+01:00
Location: Irish Cultural Centre

Thursday 8th May 2025, 19:00

From

£10.00

Select tickets

General Admission

£12.00

Tickets

Tickets will be scanned at the door of the auditorium, around the far corner of the bar. Please bring a paper or digital copy of this ticket QR Code with you.

Please bring your Concession ID to be checked if you have purchased a concession.

Seating

Seating is unreserved and on a first come first served basis. Please arrive in plenty of time with all of your party if you wish to be seated together. Ticket holders cannot reserve seats for other guests.

Please note that the start time on the ticket is the stage start time. We do not usually have support acts, unless specified. We may not be able to admit latecomers once the performance has started.

All of our events are seated, unless otherwise stated on the event booking page. If you require a seat for a standing event, please notify the venue no less than 48 hours before the performance date for us to be able to accommodate.

info@irishculturalcentre.co.uk

0208 5638232

In the Auditorium

Please do not take drink glasses into the auditorium. If you order a drink at the bar it will be served in a plastic cup.

Please move down inside the row when you take your seat to allow others room to get in. Please do not sit on seats marked 'reserved'.

Remember to take all of your rubbish with you at the end. Your reusable plastic cup can be given back at the bar.

Please move down inside the row when you take your seat. Kindly put your phone on silent before the performance starts and please remember to take all of your rubbish with you at the end. Should you need to leave the auditorium during the performance, please leave discreetly when exiting. Should you wish to return, please wait for an usher to guide you.

Concession

£10.00

Tickets

Tickets will be scanned at the door of the auditorium, around the far corner of the bar. Please bring a paper or digital copy of this ticket QR Code with you.

Please bring your Concession ID to be checked if you have purchased a concession.

Seating

Please note that the start time on the ticket is the stage start time. We do not usually have support acts, unless specified. We may not be able to admit latecomers once the performance has started.

info@irishculturalcentre.co.uk

0208 5638232

In the Auditorium

Please do not take drink glasses into the auditorium. If you order a drink at the bar it will be served in a plastic cup.

Please move down inside the row when you take your seat to allow others room to get in. Please do not sit on seats marked 'reserved'.

Remember to take all of your rubbish with you at the end. Your reusable plastic cup can be given back at the bar.

Date and time

Thursday 8th May 2025, 19:00

Location

Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Black's Road, London, Greater London, W6 9DT, United Kingdom

Description

Last Bantam

Written & Performed by Michael Hughes

An unforgettable solo performance about courage, patriotism, and betrayal.
Discover the extraordinary true story of the Bantam battalions—soldiers of small stature but immense bravery—through the eyes of an Irish teacher caught between his homeland and the horrors of World War I.

The world is at war. The army recruits 30,000 men between 5’ and 5'3'' to fight. These soldiers, from Britain, Ireland, and Canada, became known as Bantams—named after the small but fierce rooster. They formed special Bantam battalions, sent to the front lines of World War I.
Bouzincourt, France. One Bantam remains—Patrick Michael Wolfe, an Irish teacher from Dublin. He joined a Bantam battalion to support Home Rule in Ireland, only to be caught between his loyalty to his homeland and the brutal realities of war. The 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin and the British response test his convictions and force him to make an impossible choice.

This is Wolfe’s story—based on real events.

Researched, written, and performed by Michael Hughes, The Last Bantam is a gripping solo performance about patriotism, prejudice, courage, and betrayal, from the battlefields of France to the streets of Dublin.

If you enjoyed War Horse, 1917, or All Quiet on the Western Front, you won’t want to miss this!

Post-Show Q&A
The performance will be followed by a Q&A session with writer and actor Michael Hughes.

Critical Acclaim:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ British Theatre Guide – "Elegantly performed."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ UK Theatre Web – "Excellent."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Moreish TV – "Wonderfully well acted."
★ ★ ★ ★ Plays International – "Outstanding."
★ ★ ★ ★ Derek Awards – "Giant of a play."
"Hidden Gem" – Fringe Review
"Spirit of the Fringe" – Derek Awards

What the Press Says:

"The Last Bantam is a powerful solo theatre piece that brings to life the overlooked Bantam battalions of World War I. Michael Hughes’s performance is a masterclass in storytelling, blending moments of levity with the harsh realities of war. This hidden gem not only honours their sacrifices but also prompts reflection on the enduring nature of conflict." – Edinburgh Fringe Review
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"It’s acting of the highest order! Hughes sets the theatre abuzz with a marching song and delivers a performance filled with emotion and technical brilliance." – Jeremy Malies, Plays International
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"Michael Hughes is another perfect example of the great Irish storyteller. This is more than a history lesson—lest we forget. Well done!" – Catherine Henry Lamm, British Theatre Guide
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"A short but excellently delivered show about the Bantam regiment, exploring their link to the Irish struggle for Home Rule and the 1916 Easter Rising. Excellent show." – Edinburgh Fringe Review
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Join us for an unforgettable evening of theatre that brings history to life.

Ask a question Terms and conditions

Irish Cultural Centre - Ticket Refund Policy

Last Updated: Jan 2025

1. Introduction

At the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith, we are committed to providing an exceptional cultural experience to our patrons. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could prevent you from attending an event for which you have purchased tickets. This Refund Policy outlines our guidelines for ticket refunds and exchanges.

2. Eligibility for Refunds

2.1 Cancelled Events: In the event that a scheduled event is cancelled by the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith, you will be entitled to a full refund of the ticket price, including any service fees.

2.2 Rescheduled Events: If an event is rescheduled to a different date, your ticket will be valid for the rescheduled date. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, you may request a refund.

2.3 Postponed Events: If an event is postponed, and the new date is not announced immediately, your ticket will be valid for the rescheduled date once it is confirmed. If you cannot attend the rescheduled date, you may request a refund.

2.4 Change of Programme or Venue: We reserve the right to make changes to the program or venue. In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to inform ticket holders of any changes. Tickets will remain valid for the modified event, but if you cannot attend due to the changes, you may request a refund.

3.1 Refund Deadline: Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of either the event date or the booking date, whichever applies. Requests received after this period will not be considered.

3.2 How to Request a Refund: To request a refund, please contact our Box Office. Please provide your name, order number, event details, and the reason for your refund request.

4. Refund Process

4.1 Processing Time: Refunds will be processed within 3-5 business days after receiving a valid refund request.

4.2 Refund Method: Refunds will be issued using the same payment method used for the original purchase. If the event was cancelled, refunds will include the full ticket price, including service fees.

5. No-Refund Exceptions

5.1 Late Arrival: We strongly recommend arriving at the event on time. Late arrival may result in the forfeiture of your ticket without refund.

5.2 Personal Reasons: Refunds will not be provided for tickets that cannot be used due to personal reasons, such as illness or travel conflicts.

5.3 Lost or Stolen Tickets: We are not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. Please keep your tickets in a safe place.

6. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about our refund policy or wish to request a refund, please contact our Box Office at:

Email: events@irishculturalcentre.co.uk

Phone: 02085638232

We reserve the right to update this refund policy as needed. Please check our website or contact our Box Office for the most up-to-date information.

7. Legal Disclaimer

This refund policy is subject to UK law and regulations. The Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without prior notice.

8. Force Majeure

8.1 Force Majeure Events:

The Irish Cultural Centre is not liable for any cancellations or changes to events caused by situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters, strikes, war, terrorism, or government restrictions. In such cases, the refund policy will still apply, but refunds may be processed at the discretion of the Centre.

9. Refunds for Charitable Events

9.1 Charitable or Fundraising Events:

For events that are fundraising for specific causes, we ask that you consider donating your ticket if you are unable to attend. Refunds may still be possible in cases of event cancellation or rescheduling.

10. Acknowledgement of Policy

10.1 Agreement to Refund Policy:

By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge and agree to abide by the terms of this Refund Policy. If you do not agree to the terms, please contact the Box Office prior to purchasing your ticket for clarification.