Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Book: Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop, Charles Chilton, Gerry Raffles & members of the Original Cast
Directors: Nicky Allpress, Ellie Verkerk & Adam Haigh
“Creative & Full of Energy”
4 / 5
Sixty years after its original release – Oh What A Lovely War has been reintroduced to the stage by Blackeyed Theatre as part of a UK-wide tour in this wonderfully high energy, creatively staged Pierrot-style show.
Before the show even starts, you are immediately swept up into the atmosphere – with the performers engaging in a few pre-show routines, all while interacting with the audience as you get settled in your seats. Set designer Victoria Spearing contributes with a brilliantly shabby-chic circus tent, filling the stage and providing a perfect backdrop for the show. The storyline takes you through the long four-year history of World War One, using comedy and music from the time to brighten what would otherwise be a very depressing narrative.
The cast of six truly are magnificent – each playing a variety of instruments as part of each song, as well as a variety of different characters, never missing a beat and often speaking in other languages – very impressively showcasing their talent as they expertly whizz through each scene. Christopher Arkeston starts out as the ringleader of sorts, introducing the show and providing various points of narration throughout. Harry Curley is a born comedic performer, his timing spot on and his expressive mannerisms unmatched. Chioma Uma flawlessly transitions into each of her characters with ease, deftly defining each new role. Alice E Mayer, Euan Wilson and Tom Crabtree all excellently and effectively engage the audience from beginning to end.
The music is fantastic, not only fitting with the time-period, but well performed and enjoyable to listen to, especially with the variety of instruments used – pianos, ukeleles and drums are used by various members of the cast to create the soundtrack that keeps the pacey show ticking along. The soundscape is also creatively contributed to with balloons and clackers to provide sound effects, although simple techniques, they really help to add to the raw, stripped back style of the show. If you’re not that well-versed in history, the fast-paced nature can be a bit hard to keep up with, especially with the multitude of characters that are being portrayed throughout, but the wonderful cast still manage to keep audience attention, never diluting their energetic approach, and enabling them to deliver each scene at full capacity. The implementation of projected subtitled on the back of the circus tent is also a great way to help the audience keep up with the timeline, with interesting yet sad statistics about the number of losses and casualties as the war progresses.
Although some of the stereotypes feel a bit outdated, there has been a huge effort to keep the show fresh and entertaining – with much of the message and lessons still sadly relevant to modern day situations. This is a surprisingly entertaining deep dive into the complexities and consequences of war, so stand to attention because this production deserves a salute (and four stars).
Runs Until 9 December 2023
RatedReviewed 
Leave a comment