O What a Lovely War

Performed in November 2002 at The Education Centre, Willsbridge Mill.

This play took us on a lively, entertaining and thought-provoking journey through the politics and people of the Great War 1914 - 1918.

There were new challenges for the actors as it included many songs from the Great War era, some of which we thought we knew until we came to sing them! There was also a ballroom scene, which tested the waltzing skills of members of the cast. Kit, who was directing, encouraged us to take a positive attitude to this challenge and Giles, as Musical Director and accordion accompanist, put us through our paces. In the event, the cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves and, judging by comments we received, so did the audiences.

Alongside the fun and lighthearted moments, however, were moments of real poignancy and sadness. The photographic slides depicting life on the front were particularly effective in conveying the horrors of war and the newreel announcements frequently reminded us of the great loss of life.