The Last Bantam - Michael Hughes talks about the Bantam Battalions of the First World War Artwork

Famous People You've Never Heard Of

Our podcasts are a mix of conversations with a wide range of subject matter experts and enthusiasts, interspersed with the occasional audio drama. Each episode focuses on one person, a group of people or a genre from the world of entertainment that we wish to bring back to the spotlight and who has been lost to history or is in danger of being so.The Arts industries are currently in peril but this is nothing new. The Entertainment industry in all its guises has seen it all before. Political turmoil, plague, poverty, overnight success, sudden failure and the long term closure of theatres are not unique to the 21st century.We are not academics (although luckily some of our prestigious guests are) so don't expect forensic analysis or ground breaking research in every episode. We are entertainers, passionate about our craft, its heritage and its future. And we want to share our enthusiasm with you!

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Famous People You've Never Heard Of

The Last Bantam - Michael Hughes talks about the Bantam Battalions of the First World War

June 17, 2026 • Blue Fire Theatre Company • Season 6 • Episode 51

0:00 | 24:39

1914. The Great War rages. Britain recruits 30,000 Bantams, men between five-foot and five-foot-three to fight in some of the bloodiest battles of the war. 1918. A group of reporters visit the Front to write about the Bantams. One Bantam remains, Patrick Michael Wolfe, a Dubliner who signed up to secure Home Rule for Ireland. This is his story. A story about patriotism, prejudice, courage and betrayal. Inspired by real events.

Michael Hughes' one man show "The Last Bantam" is on tour and plays at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in august 2026.

Follow Michael on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thelastbantam1/

Further reading:
Bantams - by Sydney Allinson

Imperial War Museums - https://www.iwm.org.uk/

Guest: Michael Hughes

Host: Lottie Walker

Editor: Gordon Vowles

Music: Pond 5

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