Terry Johnson’s Olivier Award nominated revival of Oh What A Lovely War is to return to the Theatre Royal Stratford East next year.
Johnson’s take on the satirical musical about the events of World War One, which opened to acclaim in February 2014, will be welcomed back to the venue from 29 January to 7 February prior to a national tour.
Described by The Guardian’s Michael Billington as “a reimagining of a show that still leaves one emotionally devastated”, the production creates a stark contrast between the harsh reality of the fate of ordinary Tommies and the jaunty music-hall tunes that accompany the soldiers on their route to slaughter in the trenches.
Talking about its return, Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Stratford East Kerry Michael said: “We’re delighted that following a sell-out success earlier this year, Oh What A Lovely War will be returning to us. It’s a hugely important show that everyone should see.”
The show will return as part of the Theatre Royal Stratford East’s forthcoming autumn/winter season, which will see classic plays, new writing and musical debuts play at the venue. Prior to Oh What A Lovely War’s return, the theatre will welcome John McCann’s new political satire about Scottish Independence, Spoiling (28 August to 13 September), Rhetorical (14 to 18 October), a new play about South Africa’s second post-apartheid president, and the previously announced David Baddiel musical The Infidel – The Musical (3 October to 2 November).
Playing at the venue over the festive season is a magical new version of the much-loved pantomime Beauty And The Beast (29 November to 17 January), while following Oh What A Lovely War in the new year is Roy Williams’ take on Antigone (19 February to 14 March).
When Oh What A Lovely War played at the Theatre Royal Stratford East earlier this year, it featured a cast including Caroline Quentin, Alice Bailey-Johnson, Ian Bartholomew, Oliver J Hembrough, Rebecca Howell and Michael Simkins. Casting for the show’s return is still to be announced.