The Last Bantam with Michael Hughes
Location:
National Army Museum
Date & time:
Thursday 1 Oct 2026, 4.00pm
Price:
£15.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)
The Last Bantam tells the incredible story of Britain’s Great War ‘bantam’ soldiers – 30,000 men between 5’-5’3’’ who signed up to fight.
About the event
The Last Bantam is a monodrama written and performed by Michael Hughes. It tells the incredible story of Britain’s Great War ‘bantams’ – 30,000 men between 5’-5’3’’ who signed up to fight. It is told through Patrick Michael Wolfe, a teacher from Dublin who enlists in 1915 to secure Irish Home Rule.
The Last Bantam is a story of patriotism, prejudice, courage and betrayal, the action ranging from the city of Dublin to the horrors of the Western Front. The Last Bantam is one of the few plays to examine Ireland’s role in the Great War and is the only play to focus on Britain’s forgotten bantam soldiers.
This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.
Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.
About the speaker
Michael’s ensemble comedy, Radio Moscow Roadshow, sold-out in the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe. The Last Bantam, his first serious play, was well received in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Edinburgh Fringes and he won the Derek Awards ‘Spirit of the Fringe Award’ (2024). The Last Bantam has since played in London, Nottingham, Hampshire, Margate and the Chalke History Festival.
FAQs
Is the National Army Museum accessible?Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.