A GALASHIELS actor is about to relive the heroics of a football team during the First World War.

Fraser Bryson's first professional role has seen him pull on the Maroon shirt of Heart of Midlothian as part of the award-winning A War of Two Halves.

Originally performed at this year's Fringe to critical acclaim, the story of the McCrae’s Battalion is being restaged at Tynecastle Stadium from Friday all the way through to Remembrance Sunday.

As war broke out in 1914, Hearts had won 19 of their 21 matches and were on the brink of winning the Scottish League Championship.

In a show of extraordinary comradery and courage, 13 of their players volunteered to serve together in McCrae’s Battalion - destined to fight in France.

Fraser told us: "I am feeling extremely fortunate to be a part of this show.

"A War of Two Halves was a huge success at The Fringe and we have been asked back to perform the show again for Remembrance

"As first professional gigs go this one has been unreal."

When it was first staged during the Edinburgh Festival, review site All Edinburgh Theatre gave the production 5 stars, citing its “devastating emotion” and stating “the sincerity, emotional directness, and beautiful staging of A War Of Two Halves deserves to transcend sporting allegiances”.

With November 2018 marking 100 years since the end of the Great War, it was decided to restage the production - only this time in the very ground where the Hearts team played and trained before volunteering to fight.

The show will begin and end in the Main Stand with the cast guiding the audience around the ground as the story unfolds.

The production, which lasts for around one hour 45 minutes, is directed by Bruce Strachan from Nonsense Room Productions.

He told us: "With November 2018 marking 100 years since the signing of the Armistice, it is a poignant time to share the remarkable story of 'the bravest team'.

"Hearts fans will have heard of McCrae’s Battalion – this is another chance to really understand their story.

"For a wider audience, the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes view of a football stadium in a dramatic retelling of historical events will be a truly unique theatre experience.”

A War of Two Halves will be performed from this Friday (November 2) through to Sunday, November 11 November to Sunday 11, with

numerous shows each day (except Monday, November 5 and Saturday, November 10)

The production is suitable for ages 12 and upwards.

Lianne Parry, head of heritage with Heart of Midlothian Football Club, added: "The run of the play dovetails perfectly with a series of commemorative events being planned by the club during the run up to, and on Remembrance Sunday to honour those who lost their lives during the conflict.

"Supporters, players and staff all saw the show take on particular poignancy as it comes to life in the very ground the team left in 1914, with action taking place throughout the stadium.

"Sensitively told and beautifully arranged, this is a unique performance that everyone should experience.”

Tickets are available from Heart of Midlothian Ticket Office.