Only One Question for...Oliver Mills, composer and musical director for York Settlement Community Players' world premiere of Rohilla

What music have you written for Graham Sanderson's new play Rohilla, the story of the Whitby community coming to the rescue of the stricken hospital ship Rohilla in October 1914 during the First World War, Oliver?

"Creating the music for Rohilla has been an interesting challenge. Originally intended only to be used at the start of the play, my task was to create a song that captures the spirit, themes and tone of the story – fear, struggle, unity and triumph – in a song that was fitting for the opening of the show and carrying a message that’s appropriate for our characters to be singing. All the while trying not to give too much away – and that was quite a task.

"It was important that the music represents the people joining together at this time of need. Beginning with a solo from Amy (principal character Amy Potts), more voices are gradually brought in, before they all sing as one at the climax.

"The melodic lines cross over each other throughout, representing the constant flow of lapping waves, which in turn can be likened to the unending endeavours of the townspeople. Finishing on a triumphant unison note, the song becomes not only a prologue to the story, but also a victory anthem for the characters of Rohilla. Or, at least, that’s what it’s meant to achieve."

York Settlement Community Players present Rohilla at Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, Sunday, 3pm; Friargate Theatre, York, November 21, 7.30pm, and November 22, 2pm and 7.30pm. Box office: Scarborough, 01723 370541 or sjt.uk.com; York, 01904 613000 or ridinglights.org/rohilla/