Published: Friday, 26th September, 2008 12:00
Theatre Review: Oh What A Lovely War, South Hill Park
By Lucy Crossley
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FROM the moment the show opens with a video montage taking the audience back in time from drunken yobs on the streets of today’s Britain to the trenches of the First World War it is clear this retelling of the “War to end all wars” is as relevant today as it ever was.
Performed energetically by just five multi-talented actors Oh What A Lovely War uses stats, facts and documents coupled with popular songs from the time to send up the petty squabbling that lead to one of the most devastating losses of life Europe has ever faced.
Adrian McDougall’s production veers the thin line between tragedy and farce with great elegance leaving the audience laughing and singing along but also fully aware of just how important it is to remember those who died for their country between 1914 and 1918.
The camaraderie between the five actors on stage is spectacular to watch as they effortlessly switch between playing numerous instruments, singing, dancing, cross dressing and recounting the tales that show the scale of what happened on the Western Front and back home in Merry England.
All of the audience poured out of the Wilde Theatre highly impressed at what they had just seen, expect for perhaps one unsuspecting English teacher who was taking her class along to the performance only to become the butt of several of the actors jokes. But if you’re reading this Mrs Chambers - cast member Paul Morse did reveal he was sorry afterwards.
With the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War in November and with British Forces currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan remembering those who fought and died for us is as important as ever and this play is a thoroughly enjoyable, yet extremely poignant, way for audiences to do just that.
Oh What A Lovely War is at South Hill Park until tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm with matinee tomorrow at 3pm. Tickets are £14 (£10 for matinee) from 01344 484123 or www.southhillpark.org.uk.
The show comes to West Wing in Slough on Tuesday, October 7 and to the Marist School Ascot on Tuesday, November 4. For more details visit www.blackeyedtheatre.co.uk.
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