Experience is moving (From Stroud News and Journal)

Experience is moving

THE Cotswold Players are bringing one of the great experiences of challenging, experimental 1960s theatre to The Cotswold Playhouse this week.

Created out of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop, Oh What A Lovely War! is a masterful and ironic evocation of the First World War which uses songs, photographs, statistics, family memorabilia and first hand accounts from the period.

The story is told by a group of Pierrots putting on an end-of-the-pier show. Each Pierrot plays many parts and has to dash back and forth for costume changes.

"There's been a lot of discussion as to how to publicise the play in light of the current world climate," said Cotswold Player Alan Crockett.

"No one wants the posters to be misconstrued. Although the title of the play is deeply ironic, it could be seen as offensive to have a large banner across the bridge at Merrywalks - where there have been anti-war protests - stating Oh What A Lovely War. We are consulting many people to see what they think.

"We are aware of the relevance of this play at this time and welcome audiences with all viewpoints to draw what they can from this intensely moving play.

"This was always going to be a tricky play to put on - something the players have been discussing since we cancelled the play after only three weeks of rehearsal in the wake of September 11 2001."

"It's a heartbreaking play," he added. "By turns sad, funny, shocking and intensely moving. It's the ultimate anti-war theatrical experience and it couldn't have been better timed."

Oh What A Lovely War! plays at The Cotswold Playhouse from Monday, March 31 to Saturday, April 5 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Stroud Tourist Information centre at the Subscription Rooms priced £8.