"Oh, What A Lovely War"

For two evenings HTIS was transported back to the early 20th Century. To capacity audiences, 60 students from Year 7 to Year 11 presented the award winning Theatre Workshop drama documentary “Oh, What A Lovely War.” The play summarizes and comments on the story of World War 1 using popular songs of the time. Many of these songs are much older popular songs that have been sarcastically re-worded by the soldiers serving on the front lines. The show is performed in pierrot costumes and features harsh images of war and shocking statistics projected onto the screen; providing a contrast with the comedy of the action taking place before it. Four members of the teaching staff took cameo roles and special thanks are due to Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Vincent, Mr. Jackson and Mr. White. The play uses sophisticated technology and extra special thanks are due to Megan and Saskia for their superb work on this project. The play was produced and directed by Mr. Dunnington and the cast showed their appreciation by presenting him with a very large box of chocolates!!!

Mr. Carwithen, Head of English, commented:

“What a treat to watch this perennially relevant, hard-hitting production. The cast sung, danced and acted superbly in this satirical, funny yet sad depiction of the lives of ordinary people in Blighty and at the Front in World War 1. The jolliness of the contemporary songs was juxtaposed with stark facts and images on the screen above the stage. The production challenged the present generation of pupils to avoid the mistakes of their ancestors in the Great War by seeking truth and rejecting propaganda, and by being truly international in outlook. Congratulations Mr. Dunnington.”