OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR!
This year Malmesbury School are performing Oh What a Lovely War to coincide with the centenary of World War I. This pioneering musical was originally created by Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop in 1963. The original Broadway production in 1965 won a Tony Award for best musical, then on the London stage in 2002 it won the Laurence Olivier award for best revived musical. Most of the songs are recognisable from the World War I era such as “It’s a long way to Tipperary, “Pack up your troubles” and “Keep the home fires burning” .
The show was considered to be ground-breaking, not only for its blatant denunciation of the political leaders’ incompetence during World War I, but also for its unusual theatrical style where the horrors of War are recalled through humour and frivolity, using visual stimuli such as circus costumes. Whilst at the same time the story of World War I is told through a backdrop of authentic visuals, showing statistics such as “28,000 dead, gained 5 yards” and ” the average life of a machine gunner on the western front 15 minutes”.
Miss Edwards, Head of Drama, comments “We hope the production will prove as popular with parents and the local community as it has so far with our cast of over 80 students. We have all been reminded of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the Great War, and we know audiences will be equally moved by the juxtaposition of sadness and humour”
The performance takes place in the school hall at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £5 for concessions. Please ring the school on 01666 829700 to request tickets. We very much look forward to seeing you there.