Skip to main content
Oh what a lovely war

Oh What a Lovely War!

This event is in the past

You are now booking:

Oh What a Lovely War!

Close

This event has passed.

Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park Arts Centre presents:

The 60th Anniversary tour of Joan Littlewood’s Musical Entertainment – Oh What A Lovely War by Theatre Workshop, Charles Chilton, Gerry Raffles and members of the Original Cast.

More than a century on from the Armistice, Oh What A Lovely War remains a classic of the modern theatre and a powerful reminder of the atrocities of a war that cost twenty million lives. Told through the songs and documents of the period, it’s a satirical attack on the military incompetence and inconceivable disregard for human life the First World War has come to represent and a chilling reminder of man’s inhumanity to man.

At turns satirical, funny and deeply moving, Oh What a Lovely War has a style all of its own, combining live music, dance, songs and sketches to create a picture of life for those on the front line and those behind it.

Marking the 60th anniversary of Joan Littlewood’s landmark work, Blackeyed Theatre revives its hugely acclaimed 2011 production, featuring five incredible actor musicians who play, sing and act their way through one of the greatest satires ever written. It’s Oh What A Lovely War as Joan Littlewood intended and an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Important information

Running time: approx 2 hours 2 minutes including interval

Age recommendation: 11+

Ticket Prices: £19

On Sale:
24 Apr – Gold Friends, corporates and supporters
26 Apr – Friends
28 Apr – General Public

Concessions:
Friends – 5% off
Best Friends and Gold Friends – 10% off
U26’s: £16.50
Students:
 £11

NowichTheatrePlayhouse_exterior

Reviews

“A splendid revival that does the original production proud”
Brian Murphy, from the cast of the original 1963 production of Oh What A Lovely War

“Magnificent…Extraordinary…As haunting as it is harrowing…Astonishing power… Any assumption that Oh! What a Lovely War is a period piece is shot to shrapnel. Forty years on, we need Littlewood’s vision more than ever. Blackeyed Theatre restore it to us with astonishing power. Catch it if you can”
The Stage

“One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre”
The Stage

“Fast, energetic and immaculately choreographed. Joan Littlewood would have been delighted by this production…A remarkable evening”
Hexham Courant

Venue

Eat & Drink

A fantastic, friendly space serving real ales from local breweries, German lagers on tap, delicious wines, exotic tea and coffee and splendid small snacks.

Getting here

Directions to  the Playhouse. Where to park near the theatre, drop-off & disabled parking plus public transport information.

Access Information

Up-to-date information on access our building, accessible performances and details on personal assistant tickets.