Oh, What a Lovely War

~~The wonderfully poignant creation from Joan Littlewood about WW1 with reminiscences of songs of the time – a critique of the brutal reality of a war to end all wars with the use of projected horrific statistics but also humour in music hall style.  Well directed by Fabian Worsfield also performing as an immaculately dressed MC cleverly using the available space to advantage including the central aisle and the double doors of the auditorium particularly effective for the Christmas present exchange of the two armies. The fine solo and ensemble singing was led by Ciara Crossley-Roberts, with good movement from Chloe Swan - notable a well rehearsed drill sequence and realistic mime.  This is an ensemble piece with actors taking on many differing roles that characterised particularly well, and sung with gusto.  Costumes, although not always authentic depicted many nationalities and uniforms but always with the pierrot costumes in place.  A good backcloth of skeletal trees using clever lighting colour worked beautifully and various sized black boxes were used for the many scenes were  moved by the cast, but not always as quickly as the audience would have liked.  Alarming sound effects were realistic and together with sepia moving footage, added to the atmosphere.  An excellent commemorative programme was produced by Fiona Murch and Steph Ivinson.  The KDF adjudication took place, hopefully with deserved good results.

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