WITH This Evil Thing, Michael Mears has created a mesmerising drama on the brave struggles of pacifists during the first world war.

This talented — and, in lockdown, amazingly resourceful — writer and actor filmed the whole thing in his flat. His play — in which Mears plays 52 roles — runs at 90 minutes. He has performed it more than 100 times in Britain and the US but has now produced a lockdown version on his phone.

“Lockdown” is perhaps appropriate because, as Mears says,“Just over 100 years ago, British conscientious objectors were locked down in this country against their will because of the ‘virus’ it was feared they were spreading — the virus of pacifism and anti-militarism.”