Ninety years on from the Armistice, Oh What a Lovely War remains a classic of modern theatre and a powerful reminder of the atrocities of war.

It is a theatrical chronicle of the First World War, told through the songs and documents of the period. It is a satirical attack on the military incompetence and the inconceivable disregard for human life. At times funny and deeply moving, Oh What a Lovely War! combines live music, dance, songs and sketches creating a picture of life for those on, and behind, the front line.

First performed at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London in 1963, it received the acclaim of London audiences and critics. It won the Grand Prix of the Thщтtre des Nations festival in Paris that year and has gone on to become a classic of the modern theatre.

In 1969 a film version was made which extended the play's popular success. The play is now on the standard reading list of schools and universities around the UK and was revived by the Royal National Theatre in 1998.

Director - Rachael Parry-Taylor

Musical Director - Marcus Davidson

Cast

MC / Photographer & Chaplain - Fidelma O'Neill|France / Lanzerac / Doctor & English Woman - Marina Gask|Austria / French Aide & English Woman - Susan Mills|Ireland / British Soldier & English Woman - Debbie Featherstone|Lanzerac Aide / Solo 'Hold Your Hand' / Ghillie & English Woman - Carol Deburca|News Girl / British Soldier & Emily Pankhurst - Charlotte Knell|Solo 'Man Out Of You' & Nurse - Pauline Seagroatt|German Dancer / German Woman / German Soldier & English Soldier - Dunya Kuhn|Britain / France / British Officer & Haig - David Croft|Kaiser / Serbian Secret Police / German Officer / German Soldier & Irish Sergeant - Sean O'Farrell|Moltke / Austrian Secret Police & British Sergeant - Stephen Norton|Moranville / French Officer & British Corporal - Kevin Ferny|Russia & Stall Holder - Jude Figueira|Wilson / Rawlinson & British General - Sam McKenzie|British Soldier / Corporal & Switzaland - Roy Parris