A critically acclaimed revival of a classic anti-war musical has a visit to Malvern coming up on its schedule.

The award-nominated Oh What a Lovely War by the Blackeyed Theatre will visit Festival Theatre at Malvern Theatres for a five-night run between Tuesday 12 and Friday, March 16.

Devised in 1963 by Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop, the production provides a satirical yet heart-wrenching portrayal of the First World War, through a blend of music, comedy, and drama.

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Littlewood’s original show fused popular songs of the period, such as "Pack Up Your Troubles" and "It’s a Long Way to Tipperary", with a sharp critique of the war’s human cost, an approach the revived version follows.

The touring cast includes Tom Benjamin (Fire Songs, Frozen Light), 2023 Rose Bruford Graduate Tom Crabtree, Harry Curley (Once, Barn Theatre), Alice E Mayer, Chioma Uma (Brief Encounter), and Euan Wilson (A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Great Gatsby).

They will bring to life the satirical, visually striking, and emotionally impactful events of the first global conflict, drawing lessons for modern audiences.

Although it's a revival, the anti-war message of the production still has resonance, reminding audiences of the harsh realities of conflict, and draws parallels with present day issues.

Nicky Allpress, who is directing the production, will work alongside musical director Ellie Verkerk and movement director Adam Haigh, bringing together their combined wealth of theatrical wisdom.

Blackeyed Theatre artistic director, Adrian McDougall, said: "I’m so proud of the entire team, who have put together this incredible show.

"The experience this group of artists creates for our audiences night after night is nothing sort of astonishing, and the response to the production bears that out."

He added: "2024 marks our 20th birthday, and I’m very proud not only that we continue to create shows the quality of Oh What a Lovely War, but that we do so sustainably with little or no funding against an increasingly challenging theatrical landscape."

The production has received postiive reviews from the likes of WhatsOnStage, Broadway World, and lastly Susan Elkin from Musical Theatre Review, who described the show as "tragically beautiful".