Oh What A Lovely War
by Gerry Raffles, Charles Chilton and Joan Littlewood
by Gerry Raffles, Charles Chilton and Joan Littlewood
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"Oh! What a Lovely War was first performed at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London on March 19, 1963. The idea for a satirical critique of the First World War emerged out of Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop and it was developed by Littlewood, her partner Greg Raffles, Charles Chilton, and the cast. The title of the musical was inspired by the old music hall song, “Oh It’s a Lovely War”, which features as one of the main songs in the show. It was, and is, therefore a truly collaborative, ensemble production. The musical uses traditional music hall songs from the era, often changing their lyrics, and has a cast of around 12-15 men and women. Traditionally, they are all dressed in pierrot costumes (as commonly seen in commedia dell’arte) as Joan Littlewood hated the idea of khaki uniforms on stage. The pierrot costume also removes individual identities, enforcing the idea of the ensemble, and enabling the cast to play multiple roles with the addition of props or costume pieces. As such, the the action moves on with great speed and there is a lot of improvisation and interaction with the audience. Projected slides are used heavily throughout the musical showing a moving display of First World War statistics and images. Sometimes the slides are in the background, behind the actors, but they are also frequently used on their own for greater impact, with the cast singing offstage."
Source: Stageagent |
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Johnathan Stuart
One afternoon in May 2014 we held our first rehearsal workshop for our forthcoming production of Oh What A Lovely War. We had a lot of fun and laughs that day running over the songs and some dance moves for the show. This happened to be the last time we saw our friend Johnathan Stuart as that night he died suddenly and unexpectedly. Johnathan's stage performances and technical expertise will be sorely missed by the Florians. Please follow this link to read more about our dear friend. This show is dedicated to his memory. |
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Production Staff
Director: Trevor Nicol Assistant Director/Choreographer: Caroline Nicol Musical Director: Anna Merrouni Stage Manager: Gregor Fisher Assistant Stage Manager: Samantha Jackson Sound: Philip Nicol Lighting: Catriona Russell and David Russell Slide Show Compilation: Graham Eden and Philip Nicol Slide Show Operator: Sofie MacLeod Props: Janet Russell and Steven Kelly Wardrobe: Marion Armstrong Set Painting: Claire Cameron Publicity/Programme: Graham Eden |
Cast
Martin Anderson Morag Barron Fiona Chapman Benedict Donnelly Elizabeth Donnelly Graham Eden Jo Galloway Aileen Hendry Alan Holling Brian Howlett Carla Kelly |
Jon King Lesley MacLean Fiona McDonald Anna Merrouni Louise Munro Nicholas Nicol Maureen Pringle Morag Russell Ian Shearer Brian Spence Gerry Sutton Lynn Taylor |
Oh What A Lovely War Videos
King and Country - The Florians At Culloden Battlefield
Keep The Home Fires Burning - The Florians At Culloden Battlefield
Pack Up Your Troubles/I Wore A Tunic - The Florians At Culloden Battlefield
Oh What A Lovely War Flashmob at Simpson's Garden Centre (Part 1)
Oh What A Lovely War Flashmob at Simpson's Garden Centre (Part 2)
Oh What A Lovely War - Drilling the Troops
King and Country - The Florians At Culloden Battlefield
Keep The Home Fires Burning - The Florians At Culloden Battlefield
Pack Up Your Troubles/I Wore A Tunic - The Florians At Culloden Battlefield
Oh What A Lovely War Flashmob at Simpson's Garden Centre (Part 1)
Oh What A Lovely War Flashmob at Simpson's Garden Centre (Part 2)
Oh What A Lovely War - Drilling the Troops
Oh What A Lovely War in the News
Florians Call Up For Oh, What A Lovely War!
Oh What A Lovely War - NODA Review
Florians Call Up For Oh, What A Lovely War!
Oh What A Lovely War - NODA Review
Oh What A Lovely War Audience Feedback
"Wishing everyone involved The Florians production of Oh What A Lovely War lots of love and luck tonight and for the run of the show. It is a truly fabulous production - enjoy your week."
"Well done everyone! The show was great - I cried at the end."
"Well done to cast and crew of Oh what a lovely war. You put on a fabulous show I enjoyed it very much."
"What an amazing performance by everyone tonight! You were all fab. I do think you should hand out Tena lady and Tissues along side the programmes. Haven't laughed and cried so much in a long time. It was a beautiful experience. Thank you and well done."
"After a first trip to The Florians stage, for Oh What a Lovely War, I have to say it has certainly been a very memorable, rewarding and enjoyable experience. A huge thanks to Trevor, Caroline (who are probably fed up being tagged in posts) and Anna , as well as all the rest of the off stage team for their tireless efforts in pulling the show together. To the on-stage mob, much fun and laughter as been had, and my grateful thanks for making my first trip to the Florians stage such an enjoyable one. No, I won't miss the "great coat" or the "tin hat", but I will miss the humour, banter, and the camaraderie. Until next show...."
"Friday night's performance was stunning! Thank you for a wonderful evening. A couple of years ago I had the privilege to parade at the London Cenotaph - Nimrod played by the Massed Bands if felt in every fibre. Your finale took me straight back there."
"Oh What A Lovely War - 9th to 13th September 2014. Incredible show full of very poignant moments, great humour and wonderful casting. Well done to all cast and crew for putting together a spectacular production that totally surpasses the film!"
"Well done everyone! The show was great - I cried at the end."
"Well done to cast and crew of Oh what a lovely war. You put on a fabulous show I enjoyed it very much."
"What an amazing performance by everyone tonight! You were all fab. I do think you should hand out Tena lady and Tissues along side the programmes. Haven't laughed and cried so much in a long time. It was a beautiful experience. Thank you and well done."
"After a first trip to The Florians stage, for Oh What a Lovely War, I have to say it has certainly been a very memorable, rewarding and enjoyable experience. A huge thanks to Trevor, Caroline (who are probably fed up being tagged in posts) and Anna , as well as all the rest of the off stage team for their tireless efforts in pulling the show together. To the on-stage mob, much fun and laughter as been had, and my grateful thanks for making my first trip to the Florians stage such an enjoyable one. No, I won't miss the "great coat" or the "tin hat", but I will miss the humour, banter, and the camaraderie. Until next show...."
"Friday night's performance was stunning! Thank you for a wonderful evening. A couple of years ago I had the privilege to parade at the London Cenotaph - Nimrod played by the Massed Bands if felt in every fibre. Your finale took me straight back there."
"Oh What A Lovely War - 9th to 13th September 2014. Incredible show full of very poignant moments, great humour and wonderful casting. Well done to all cast and crew for putting together a spectacular production that totally surpasses the film!"
Oh What A Lovely War Gallery
