BBC Three is to broadcast its first ever “interactive episode” as part of its new drama series, Our World War, which tells the story of British troops serving on the frontline during World War One.
The special episode blends original drama with animation and will be available from bbc.co.uk/ourworldwar from 9pm tonight (Thursday 14th August).
Written by Marco Crivellari and directed by Scott Rawsthorne and Jon Shaikh, this programme tells the story of the 1st South Staffordshire Battalion during the battle of High Wood at the Somme.
Based on real accounts from soldiers at the time, the interactive episode puts you in charge of a group of men in one of the most deadly conflicts during the Battle of the Somme, the fight for control of High Wood on 14th July 1916.
On-screen buttons will appear when viewers need to make a decision to carry the story on, which will not only have immediate ramifications but may also lead to unexpected outcomes later in the episode.
Adrian Van Klaveren, Controller, World War One Centenary, says: “The BBC’s World War One season is aiming to help people have a better understanding of the First World War.
“Part of that is trying to imagine what it must have felt like to be thrust into combat – literally fighting for your life and that of your fellow men.
“Based on a real battle, this interactive episode of Our World War gives younger audiences the opportunity to understand how strategic decisions made in the heat of battle really did mean the difference between life and death.”