Oh What A Lovely War.

First devised as a radio production in 1961 by Charles Chilton called The Long Long Trail. The adapted play version of Oh What A Lovely War first arrived on the stage in 1963. Brought to the stage today by Blackeyed Theatre.

The cast of six from Blackeyed Theatre Company play a plethora of characters throughout the performance. From German infantry, British Soldiers, French citizens and War time Nurses to name but a few.

Each cast member are skilled competent musicians and singers bringing the War memoirs to life. Along with a range of bilingual skills from French to German to other nations involved during World War I.

Harvey Curley stood out throughout the performance. His uncomprehensive dialogue used in his role as the Drill Sargeant is brilliant. Only the odd word coherent which is usually a command or insult to the soldiers lined up. I wonder how long it took to practice?

Projected images at the back of the stage depicted war time photos of soldiers in action, rest time and war time posters encouraging people to do “their bit” for the war effort. The black and white images adding reality to those who fought in the war.

The stark reality of the millions killed during World War I makes for shocking reading. So many innocent people caught up in battles and left to become another statistic on the frontline and part of the history books. It is hard to comprehend the millions of people lost.

Director Nicky Allpress created a circus entertainment stage backdrop to tell the story of some of the battles and events that took place during World War 1. From the Christmas Day ceasefire between Germany and Britain to the mass graves in the frontline trenches.

For more information about this performance by Blackeyed Theatre and future productions at Theatre Royal Winchester please use the links below.