Major revival of Oh What a Lovely War marks 60th anniversary of Joan Littlewood’s epic anti-war musical

A RENOWNED piece of work in modern theatre and a powerful reminder of the atrocities of a war that cost 20 million lives is touring to Basingstoke.

Blackeyed Theatre has announced a major revival of Oh What a Lovely War to mark the 60th anniversary of Joan Littlewood’s epic anti-war musical.

A cornerstone of modern musical theatre and one of the very greatest stage satires, Oh What a Lovely War, which plays The Haymarket from October 19 to 21.

More than a century on from the Armistice, this renowned piece of work is a deliciously satirical attack on the military incompetence and inconceivable disregard for human life during the First World War.

Live music, movement, songs and sketches bring to life the folly, farce and tragedy of the war. Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, razor-sharp satire and high jinks, offer a satirical account of the war as seen through the eyes of the common soldier.

Wildly satirical, visually stunning, and deeply moving, the show is a hilarious, heartbreaking snapshot of life for those caught in the crossfire of conflict, a unanimous voice from the trenches and a timely warning from the theatre of war itself. Now, more than ever, it holds a mirror up to the world and speaks to us all.

The production is directed by Nicky Allpress, who said: “I’m so thrilled to be directing this unique piece of theatrical history, having followed Blackeyed Theatre and their extraordinary work for many years.

“One of the most exciting things about Oh What a Lovely War is how universal, timeless, and ever relevant it is, and testament to the brilliance of the work is how it can bear endless reinterpretation. Our concept will explore the idea of war as a circus, with an incredibly talented company of actor-musicians bringing Joan Littlewood's ground-breaking classic to life with music, comedy, and stories.”

Interview with Nicky Allpress

You’ve chosen a circus as a setting for your production of Oh What A Lovely War. How did you come to that decision and what do you hope audience get from it?

It seemed natural to me. That war as a concept is a circus of a kind, not only the ‘Great War’, but every war since. Not only does the original material lend itself perfectly to a troop of entertainers of every discipline and talent, from the Ringmaster to the clowns, it’s also the perfect 3backdrop in ter3ms of design and aesthetic. Worn out tent filled with the ammunition to put on the show your company have been rehearsed to perform, travelling away from home and singing songs and performing tricks to boost morale.

What do you think our relationship is with a piece like Oh What A Lovely War in 2023, and how has that informed your approach to directing it?

There are so many moments in so many scenes that resonate as if they had been written by a satirist in 2023. The same heroes and villains are pulling the same tricks, from the politicians and the arms profiteers to the effect media propaganda has on the man on the street. It’s witty and wild ride, with as many contemporary gags as there are nostalgic songs. It’s rich material that conjures so many parallels with the ongoing tragedies of war torn countries today.

How does performing the play with a cast of six (as opposed to the prescribed 15 plus band) impact audience experience in your view?

I think it brings the audience closer. The theatrical act of quick changes, swapping voices and accents as actors move from one character or instrument to the next, breaks the stiff formal boundary that traditional plays can create. We know it’s illusion, and from the very moment the audience walk in, they’re faced with a troop of 6 very playful performers warming up and unpacking their props. There’s no grand barrier between them and us - we’re all in it together.

What do you want audiences to come away from the show with?

I hope first and foremost they will feel entertained, but I hope they’ll also feel deeply moved from laughter to tears. There’s no preaching, just a group of light-hearted circus cabaret acts showing us how ridiculous humans are to fight, when we could be united in dancing and singing.

The performance is suitable for ages 11 and over. To book and for further information, visit https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/oh-what-a-lovely-war or contact the Anvil Arts box office on (01256) 844244.