Oh What a Lovely War!

Autumn Show

October 2011

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'Oh What A Lovely War' is a theatrical chronicle of the horrors of the First World War told through the songs and documents of the period. It was first performed in 1963 by the Theatre Workshop under the direction of Joan Littlewood. It was acclaimed by audiences alike; it’s won awards; it’s been performed on Broadway as well as the West End; it’s been made into a film – and it’s been popular with amateur groups over many years – the Lane End Players performed the show in the 1970s and then re-imagined it in 2011.

‘Oh What A Lovely War' was moving and funny. It delivered a lyrical evocation of the tragedy and pathos of the First World War; one of the most futile and ferocious conflicts in history. Armed with sketches, songs and stories, a cast of Pierrot clowns (used by the original production because one of their taboos was ‘No khaki on stage’) took the audience on an incredible journey across Europe. Along the way the story was marked by a fantastic collection of songs from the Great War – 'Pack Up Your Troubles', 'Keep The Home Fires Burning' and 'It's A Long Way To Tipperary'. 'Oh What A Lovely War' was a groundbreaking and stunning examination of a conflict that wiped out a whole generation of young men throughout Europe.