Picture from everymanplayhouse.com
Originally published by L.S. Media. April 1st 2010.
Cast: Joanna Croll, Victoria Elliott, Helen Embleton, Karen Fisher-Pollard, Robert Hands, Gary Kithing, Tarek Merchant, Sam O’Mahony-Adams, Thomas Padden, Christopher Price, Theone Rashleigh, Jon Trenchard.
As we near the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, it is apt that one of cinemas and theatres greatest satires is brought back to the public’s attention. Oh what a lovely War is one of those plays that demands attention and the respect for all those who take part in such a sensitive subject.
Thankfully in the hands of Northern Stage and directors Erica Whyman and Sam Kenyon the play/musical is treated with absolute reverence whilst not forgetting why it was made in the first place. The reminder of that it was to “The War that ended all Wars” is still very much in the public’s mind.
The timing between performance and changing gear into song is to be applauded as each actor on stage hit their required mark impeccably.
The cast were on top form as they blended the heartache and senselessness with the comically futility and downright ridiculousness of The First World War. From the jingoism and camaraderie of the outbreak of the conflict through to the tragedy of the trenches, every part of the play dealt with the suffering, both abroad and at home, with compassion and harsh biting satire.
One of the most touching moments in the play is where the story of the Christmas armistice is played out; the wonderful use of dry ice masking the German soldiers as they made their way through the audience was chilling and reminder of ghosts and spectres (of both sides) that filled miles of No-Man’s Land.
The huge company filled every spare piece of stage available and was in danger of joining the audience on a couple of moments including the wonderful routine of They Were Only Playing Leapfrog.
The strong cast included Joanna Croll, Gary Kitching, Tarek Merchant, Christopher Price and Jon Trenchard who excelled at all parts they were asked to perform in.
If all politicians’ were forced to watch this play, they might feel a slight tug of consciousness at the waste of the past.
Ian D. Hall