KNOCKABOUT humour will highlight the horrors of trench warfare in a production coming to Wallingford.

The stage of the town’s Corn Exchange theatre will be transformed into the battlefield of the First World War in Sinodun Players’ production of Oh What a Lovely War.

Devised as an anti-war show by Joan Littlewood and her ensemble at London’s Theatre Workshop in 1963, the musical drama pokes savage fun at the conflict’s wholescale slaughter when thousands of British soldiers were sent ‘over the top’ only to be mown down by German machine guns.

The story revolves around a troupe of Pierrots using their end-of-the-pier-show as the killing fields — and its ironic humour certainly had an effect on Sinodun’s director Chris Harris when he first saw it and continues to do so.

“The play is a monolith,” he said, “a true landmark of European post-war theatre.

“Nothing in my theatre-going life has ever moved me like this play.”

He added: “One hundred years from now it will be a timeless classic. It functions by contrast — by juxtaposing horrors with knockabout fun and often cheeky songs of the period.

“This leads to a sledgehammer effect, quite beyond straightforward story-telling.”

Two trenches, one directly under the audience’s gaze, will take over the stage, but Martin Wheatley’s clever set design also allows it to double up as a grouse moor, street scenes and a ballroom.

As the story unfolds, the ensemble cast, between them playing a vast number of characters, will present some of the best-known songs of the period – from the jokey and optimistic Goodbyee and Pack Up Your Troubles to the heartbreaking Keep the Home Fires Burning.

Mr Harris said: “Everyone wanted to sing that particular song but I gave it to Alison Ryan who has the sweetest, purest voice. When she sings it, I can guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the house.” He added: “As far as music is concerned, we have a fantastic on-stage band of professional musicians.

“We have expertise in the Sinodun Players to present slides and for recreating the sounds of the period — the sound design is indeed crucial.

“We will also be using a moving ticker-tape ‘news panel’, which in itself is unusual for an amateur production but which Joan Littlewood said was essential.”

Musician and composer Rob Alderton will be taking a trip down Memory Lane as musical director for the show. Alderton, who has performed as a pianist for legendary singer Cliff Richard, puts his love of musical theatre down to his first appearance at the Corn Exchange 30 years ago — when he was just 15.

“I’m thrilled to be back and feel the same excitement at being in the building again,” said Alderton, who has worked with other international stars including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Freddie Starr. “I’ve played at some of the world’s biggest theatres and stadiums but the Corn Exchange will always hold a special place in my heart.

“It’s the perfect theatre, from the back workshops through to the dressing rooms and foyer/box office. The auditorium is like a plush West End theatre, just in miniature.”

Sinodun newcomer Alison Ryan, an American who did her theatrical training in California, has also fallen in love with the town’s theatre, which she says is a world away from the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles where she has appeared twice.

She said: “Performing there was one of the most magical experiences I’ve had in theatre. The show was in the summer and feeling the warm breeze while singing to an audience that seemed to go for miles was unreal.

“But there’s something equally wonderful about performing to a small intimate audience. I think it’s especially important with this play that the audience will be right there with us. They are part of the show and we need to feel the direct connection with them.”

As well as Alison, the cast includes Bob Ely, Heather Trevis, Ian Nicholls, John Smelt, Jost Wahlen, Keith Jennings, Keith Ralphs, Chris Harris, Mark Wilkin, Monica Beacroft, Rebecca Cleverley, Sarah Enticknap and Sue Brown, who is also the show’s choreographer.

The show will be performed from Monday to Saturday, October 20 to 25, at 7.45pm, with a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £10 (first night £8) from the box office 01491 825000 or at: www.cornexchange.org.uk