Follow the personal journeys of four women who signed up for the Women's Land Army during World War II as their story is brought to life in Lilies on the Land.

Based on more than 140 letters and extensive interviews with original Land Girls and songs from the time, the play is a moving portrayal of the women's experience over 70 years ago.

Written after placing an open letter in Saga magazine, the tales reveal the lives of women from all walks of life, who were determined to do their best for the war effort.

The cast met many of the women who had written to them, using the moving memories and experiences to create four principal characters.

Kate Copeland, who plays Margie in the play said: "The land girls have done this extraordinary thing and for the first this validates what they did.

They weren't really acknowledge by the authorities, they have never really been recognised, but everyone else has been recognised at some point.

"There aren't many brilliant plays that celebrate women, this is a rich play with rich language. Women are a bit unrepresented in theatre, particularly going back in classical theatre so it's refreshing to have a play with a female focus."

Copeland a former Croydon High student said she was looking forward to performing at Fairfields, where she saw hours of theatre in her youth.

She said: "I saw so much theatre at Fairfields, it will be a real treat to come back and perform there. I knew Croydon really well then, it will be a real treat to come back."

Audiences will be taken on a historical journey exploring how these women, torn from their families and bereft of basic home comforts come to deal with the hardships of family life and the pressures of war.

"This is the best year for Lilies on the Land to be on, it is a very British show and with the jubilee and the Olympics it gives a real sense of Britishness," added Copeland.

Lilies on the Land, Ashcroft Theatre, Farifield Halls, May 15 to May 19, £18 or £15, call 0208 688 9291, visit fairfield.co.uk.