PACK UP your troubles with theatre legend Joan Littlewood’s ground-breaking First World War satirical musical in the year Britain remembers the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele.
‘Oh What A Lovely War’, performed as an end of pier show by a troupe of Pierrot entertainers, relives the First World War through song, dance and stunning visuals.
First performed in 1963, the musical challenged attitudes towards the conflict by telling the story of the war from the perspective of the soldiers in the trenches. It won a Tony Award in 1965 in its first New York production on Broadway.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s production of ‘Oh What A Lovely War’ will be performed by a talented ensemble of actor-musicians, featuring songs including: It’s A Long Way To Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag, Goodbye-ee, And When They Ask and Keep The Home Fires Burning.
2017 marks the centenary of Passchendaele – The Third Battle of Ypres which took place from July to November 1917 for control of land south and east of the Belgian city.
The battle became infamous not only for the scale of casualties, but for the mud which eventually became so deep that soldiers drowned.
Joan Littlewood, regarded by many as one of the greatest directors in post-war Britain, was the founder of Theatre Workshop, an improvisational company that created stage opportunities for the working class, and discovered and nurtured writers and performers.
To this day Littlewood continues to influence British directors and Fringe companies everywhere.
‘Oh What A Lovely War’ runs at Oldham Coliseum from Friday 8 – Saturday 30 September 2017, sponsored by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisors. Tickets can be booked by calling: 0161 624 2829 or online: www.coliseum.org.uk
