Not About Heroes: The story of two of Britain's most famous World War One poets
They were two men who should never have met, originating from opposite ends of the social spectrum and thrust together by the ravages of war and a shared love of poetry.
Two of Britain's greatest war poets, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, both served as army officers during the First World War, experiencing first hand the horrors of trench warfare.
Now the story of their friendship has been brought to life on stage at the city's Arena Theatre, in a new version of Stephen MacDonald's acclaimed play, Not About Heroes.
The two-man play uses poetry and readings of authentic letters to explore the pair's blossoming relationship after they had met when they were both undergoing treatment for shell shock in Craiglockhart War Hospital near Edinburgh in 1916.
The younger Owen - from lower middle-class Shropshire stock - was in awe of the aristocratic Sassoon, who who was already a highly acclaimed author at the time.
Sassoon served as a mentor to Owen, encouraging him to fine tune his skills which would eventually lead to the publication of renowned works such as Dulce et Decorum est and Anthem for Doomed Youth.
Owen was tragically killed in action on November 4, 1918 during the crossing of the Sambre–Oise Canal and would never get to see his poems published.
Ben Ashton, aged 29, who plays Owen, said both poets work stood in stark contrast to the public perception of war at the time.
"For the British public the stories told in the poems of Owen and Sassoon painted a picture of the true horrors of life in the trenches. It was a story that was covered up to a certain extent.
"They were brave men fighting on the frontline and their stories were very real."
The play, which is on the final stretch of a mammoth 80-date UK tour, has been produced by the Blackeyed Theatre and directed by Eliot Giuralarocca.
James Howard, 38, who plays Sassoon, added: "It is a very emotional journey. I think it hits home with audiences because the bravery and willingness of soldiers to put their lives on the line still happens today.
Not About Heroes runs today at the Arena Theatre in Wulfruna Street. Show times 1.30pm and 7.30pm.
