AUDIENCES are invited to experience a show which will be a powerful reminder of the atrocities of a war that cost 20 million lives.

Blackeyed Theatre has announced a major revival of Oh What a Lovely War to mark the 60th anniversary of Joan Littlewood’s epic anti-war musical.

A cornerstone of modern musical theatre and one of the very greatest stage satires, Oh What a Lovely War, comes to The Haymarket from October 19 to 21.

More than a century on from the Armistice, this renowned piece of work is a deliciously satirical attack on the military incompetence and inconceivable disregard for human life during the First World War.

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Live music, movement, songs and sketches bring to life the folly, farce and tragedy of the war. Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, razor-sharp satire and high jinks, offer a satirical account of the Great War as seen through the eyes of the common soldier.

Wildly satirical, visually stunning, and deeply moving, the show is a hilarious, heart-breaking snapshot of life for those caught in the crossfire of conflict, a unanimous voice from the trenches and a timely warning from the theatre of the war itself. Now, more than ever, it holds a mirror up to the world and speaks to us all.

Director Nicky Allpress said: “I’m so thrilled to be directing this unique piece of theatrical history, having followed Blackeyed Theatre and their extraordinary work for many years. One of the most exciting things about Oh What a Lovely War is how universal, timeless, and ever-relevant it is, and a testament to the brilliance of the work is how it can bear endless reinterpretation.

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"Our concept will explore the idea of war as a circus, with an incredibly talented company of actor-musicians bringing Joan Littlewood's ground-breaking classic to life with music, comedy, and stories.”

Tickets are priced at £26 and the performance is suitable for ages 11 and over. 

Contact the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/oh-what-a-lovely-war.