What was the purpose of Oh What a Lovely War?

What a Lovely War summarises and comments on the events of World War I using popular songs of the time, many of which were parodies of older popular songs, and using allegorical settings such as Brighton’s West Pier to criticise the manner in which the eventual victory was won.

Who was Oh What a Lovely War written by?

Joan Littlewood
Charles ChiltonLen DeightonTed Allan
Oh! What a Lovely War/Screenplay

How was Oh What a Lovely War first created?

The original idea for it came from a BBC radio documentary by Charles Chilton that assembled songs from the First World War. Gerry Raffles, who managed the business side of the Theatre Workshop at Stratford East, heard it and thought it had the germ of an idea.

When was oh a Lovely War written?

The song “Oh! It’s a Lovely War” was written by J. P. Long and Maurice Scott in 1917 and was part of the repertoire of music hall star and male impersonator Ella Shields.

Where did the musical Oh what a lovely war come from?

Oh, What a Lovely War! is an epic musical developed by Joan Littlewood and her ensemble at the Theatre Workshop in 1963. It is a satire on World War I, and by extension on war in general. The title is derived from the music hall song “Oh! It’s a Lovely War”, which is one of the major numbers in the production.

Who are the characters in Oh what a lovely war?

The idea for a satirical critique of the First World War emerged out of Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop and it was developed by Littlewood, her partner Greg Raffles, Charles Chilton, and the cast. The title of the musical was inspired by the old music hall song, “Oh It’s a Lovely War”, which features as one of the main songs in the show.

When was the song it’s a lovely war written?

It’s a Lovely War” was written by J. P. Long and Maurice Scott in 1917 and was part of the repertoire of music hall star and male impersonator Ella Shields. The lyrics of the first verse and the chorus are as follows: Who wouldn’t join the army? Don’t we pity the poor civilians sitting beside the fire. Oh! Oh! Oh! it’s a lovely war,

How many people are in Oh what a lovely war?

The title of the musical was inspired by the old music hall song, “Oh It’s a Lovely War”, which features as one of the main songs in the show. It was, and is, therefore a truly collaborative, ensemble production. The musical uses traditional music hall songs from the era, often changing their lyrics, and has a cast of around 12-15 men and women.