The 60th anniversary season of University Players continues with its third production, Journey’s End by R.C. Sherriff, from Nov. 23 to Dec. 2 in Essex Hall Theatre.

Sherriff himself served as an officer in the First World War, which ended in 1918. Written as a memoir, this drama gives audiences a look into everyday military life, and tells the story of how the men of Company C cope with the long war.

The ordinarily charismatic Captain Stanhope turns to drink to ease the pain, but must come to terms with his problems when the young and eager new recruit Raleigh arrives and reminds him of life back home.

Student performers from the BFA in Acting program take to the stage under the direction of Jim Warren.

Matt Maddison, who plays jovial Second Lieutenant Trotter of Company C, says he is lucky to have been given this glimpse into the reality of life in the trenches.

“I find I have a much stronger appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifice these men and women made — of the fears and the terror they faced together to fight for what they believed was right,” says Maddison. “The wartime spirit is something incredible powerful and uniting and I’m so happy to be a part of keeping it alive.”

In honour of their service, University Players will provide free admission to the show for all military members, both active and veterans. They are also invited to a special cocktail reception in the Essex Hall Theatre lobby before the Nov. 30 performance. To RSVP, phone Kristen Siapas at the UP box office, 519-253-3000, ext. 2818.

Tickets to Journey’s End are available at www.universityplayers.com. Performances Wednesday to Saturday start at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinee performances are at 2 p.m. A “Talk Back” discussion with the actors will follow the performance on Sunday, Nov. 25.