Performances - 28 April & 2-5 May 2007

From its first performance at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East in 1963, Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop production Oh! What a Lovely War has been one of the most iconic anti-war pieces of modern theatre. It was developed through workshop techniques using Alan Clark’s The Donkeys and using some scenes adapted from The Good Soldier Svejk by Czech humorist Jaroslav Hasekas.  It soon took the form of a theatrical chronicle of the First World War told through the songs and documents of the period. The music and compelling satirical comedy are starkly contrasted by images of trench warfare and its ravages. The combination makes for powerful but highly entertaing evening.

WADS dedicated the opening night of the production to the Poppy Appeal.

“This was one of the best things WADS has ever done…”

“The singing was wonderful…”

“The Chanson de Craonne was beautiful – it brought me to tears..”