A MUSICAL set during the First World War will be performed at The Rose Theatre in Kidderminster every evening at 7.30pm from Monday, June 9 to Saturday, June 14.

Oh, What a Lovely War! uses humour and popular trench songs of the time to portray the common soldier’s viewpoint of the conflict.

Nonentities, the amateur society that owns and administers The Rose Theatre, has timetabled the performance to coincide with the 100th anniversary of World War I.

Jen Eglinton, artistic director of the production, said: “The show is quirky and enigmatic and an absolutely delicious piece for our performers to get their teeth into and it will be challenge with which to end our season.”

Oh, What a Lovely War! was developed by Joan Littlewood in 1963 and first performed at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Its anti-war stance, presented through grim battle statistics and criticism of commanders, attracted both praise and controversy.

Jen added: “The messages and warnings of the show are timeless.

“The realities of war have not changed, even if the methods of conducting it have.

“Many members of the society have family stories of relatives who took part in the war and we have enjoyed sharing these.

“Our performance will be a tribute to the real heroes, the aptly titled ‘canon fodder’.”

The Rose Theatre in Kidderminster is a 181-seat venue that promotes both amateur and professional plays and entertainments. Upcoming shows include Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Youth Society’s performance of Joseph and a show by tribute act Bootleg Abba.