This is an interesting production of the famous satirical musical from the Theatre Royal Stratford East. A group of Pierrot players sing and dance their way through a surprisingly large number (over 40) of songs from the Great War era bringing humour and cheer to a biting critique of the political, commercial and military strategies that led to the death, injury and loss of millions of service men.
The band played jolly music but it was impossible not to feel a deep sadness and sense of pride at the grainy black and white photos of those young servicemen on the front line, putting on a brave face during the most of horrendous and disheartening conditions. Images of recruitment advertisements, products to send to the troops and women at work added to the atmosphere. And it was impossible for your eyes not to be drawn to a continuous electronic ticker tape showing the scale of casualties at each battle.
Interspersed with slap stick comedy, corny jokes, vigorous singing and flashes of thigh during the dancing were artfully enacted scenes at home and away of the historical events leading up to the war. Then scenes switched back and forth between the horrors of the Western front featuring ordinary folk in the trenches to the upper classes in their safe havens. The extent of the propaganda to get men to enlist and to maintain morale at home is fully exposed.
The explosions were sufficiently loud to make us jump and the lighting and smoke helped evoke the awful conditions – including the gas attacks - despite the pared-back scenery.
Wendi Peters of Eastenders fame features strongly, but each of the dozen or so players makes an impact as part of the team. The costumes were inspired. There was also a good audience connection, witnessed when we were encouraged to join in with the singing towards the end.
That famous Christmas scene was touching and I came away feeling a little shocked and numb to be reminded of the scale of the losses.
Naturally, most of the audience was of mature years and it would be an ideal evening out for older relatives and those who can remember the songs from those music hall shows of their youth. Judging by the large groups of school children, it would seem that this timely production ticks a number of boxes on current curricula too. In some regards, it should be essential viewing.
The show is on at Richmond Theatre until Saturday 14th February http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/oh-what-a-lovely-war-the-musical/richmond-theatre/
Other tour dates close to London include: Guildford, Aylesbury and Wimbledon.
