BENEATH THE CAMOUFLAGE TREE is a two-hander play which introduces fictional characters Jack and Tony, inspired by a composite of many real ‘women soldiers’.
Jack is a Lance Corporal. Quiet, tortured, and observant. Evelyn, disguised as sapper Tony Fielding, is a young woman grieving, lost, and alone. Surrounded by the loss of war, and complicated by a sustained injury, Tony struggles with the evolution of her relationship with Jack, and navigation of this new identity.
Against the backdrop of an observation post in WW1, Beneath the Camouflage Tree examines the complexity of relationships, identity, and grief.
The play was shortlisted for The VAULT Playwrighting Award 2026, and was selected for festival performances at the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, and EnRoute Theatre’s Voyages festival for new writing.
Audiences say:
“Thought provoking, sweet, touching, gorgeously gay”
“Beneath the Camouflage Tree tells an insightful, engaging and compelling story that reveals the reality and complexity of trauma, unity, and duty in the confines of war.”
“beautifully written”
“I have been thinking about it a lot since seeing it!”
RUNTIME & GUIDANCE
This piece has no age restriction, though there is minimal cursing and themes of war/grief. The performance is directed in-the-round, with audience sitting on all four sides of a raised stage.
19:30 – Act 1 – Beneath the Camouflage Tree
20:30 – Interval
20:45 – Act 2 – Heritage discussion and company Q&A
Act 2 comprises a heritage discussion led by the writer, Emily Meldrum, who introduces the real history which inspires the story and the importance of critical fabulation in creating heritage for underrepresented groups including female and queer communities; following this, the actors will also join the panel discussion. Audience feedback and questions are welcomed. Act 2 lasts between 30-60 minutes.
CAST & CREATIVES
Book by Emily Meldrum
Original Compositions by Samuel Francis
Cast – announcement to follow
With thanks to the many actors and creatives who supported the research & development of this piece, along with venues who have supported with space in kind: Chorley Theatre, The Nest at Chichester Festival Theatre, and Forest Arts Centre.
