Musical Oh What A Lovely War coming to Waterside

Major revival of Oh What a Lovely War marks 60th anniversary of Joan Littlewood’s epic anti-war musical.

Oh What A Lovely War is heading to Sale © Waterside

Blackeyed Theatre brings this cornerstone of modern musical theatre and one of the very greatest stage satires to Waterside in Sale for two nights only.

Conceived and developed by Joan Littlewood and her Theatre Workshop in 1963, Oh What a Lovely War remains a classic of modern theatre, a fusion of timeless songs - including Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary - razor-sharp satire and high jinks, offering a satirical account of the First World War as seen through the eyes of the common soldier.

Wildly satirical, visually stunning and deeply moving, the show is a hilarious, heart-breaking snapshot of life for those caught in the crossfire of conflict, a unanimous voice from the trenches and a timely warning from the theatre of war itself. Now, more than ever, it holds a mirror up to the world and speaks to us all.

© Waterside

Director Nicky Allpress commented, “I’m so thrilled to be directing this unique piece of theatrical history, having followed Blackeyed Theatre and their extraordinary work for many years. One of the most exciting things about Oh What a Lovely War is how universal, timeless, and ever-relevant it is, and testament to the brilliance of the work is how it can bear endless reinterpretation. 

“Our concept will explore the idea of war as a circus, with an incredibly talented company of actor-musicians bringing Joan Littlewood's ground-breaking classic to life with music, comedy, and stories.”

• Tuesday 14 November, 7.30pm

• Wednesday 15 November, 2.30pm and 7.30pm