Oh What a Lovely War!

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Oh What a Lovely War! [1] is a 1963 musical developed by Joan Littlewood (1914–2002) [2] and her ensemble at The Theatre Workshop at the Theatre Royal, Stratford, London. The central theme revolves around exposing the maniacal greed of war mongers, the self interest of politicians and the manipulative strategies of financiers, it does with wit, broad comedy, songs, and the style of the music hall.

The original text

Based on Charles Chilton's [3] radio musical for the BBC Home Service, called The Long Long Trail about World War I.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1975: Staged by Rhodes University Drama Department, directed by Fred Hagemann, the cast including James Whyle, Andrew Buckland and Janet Connor (later Janet Buckland).

1978: Presented by CAPAB, directed by Mavis Taylor, opening 3 May. The large cast included Roger Dwyer, Paul Slabolepszy, Mees Xteen, Len Sparrow-Hawk, Pieter-Dirk Uys and Suzanne Davies. Musical director Graham Scott, costumes John Caviggia, lighting John T. Baker.

1980: Staged by PACT Drama, directed by Geoffrey Sutherland with musical direction by Bill Fairley and choreography by Wally Green. The cast included: Pamela Gien, Bobby Heaney, Andre Jacobs, Gay Lambert, Michael McCabe, Judy Page, Etienne Puren, Jonathan Rands,




1993: A student production by Wits University in April/May. Directed by Fred Hagemann. Choreography by Fred Hagemann and assisted by Ren'ee Sigel and members of the company. Assistant director: Barbie Rubin. Designed by Sarah Roberts. Lighting design by Gerry Couglan. The Wits Orchestra conducted by Professor Walter Mony. Cast: Don Boroughs, Jessica Chalmers, George Coutsoudis, Crispin Denys, Linda Hart, Dena Kopenhager, Natalie Lotkin, Kim Michelow, Nick Nicolaou, Lindani Nkosi, Rodney Sandwith, Barbara Shapiro, Cassandra Steyn, David Steyn, Dalene Turner, Clive Vanderwagen, Nicki Venter. The band: Rozanne Mentzel, Lisa Homann, Millicent Mailula, Wolsey Mailula, Ceri Moelwyn-Hughes, Innocent Mlambo, Quinton Gilbertson, Ishmael Khambule, James French, Rudolph van Dyk, Colin Snaddon, David H:onigsberg, Timothy Hyslop


Sources

Die Brandstigters theatre programme 1978, announcement of forthcoming attractions.

PACT theatre programme, 1980.

Programme of a Wits student production of Oh What a Lovely War in April-May 1993.

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