The Phoenix Players’ able 26-strong cast conveyed the horror and tragedy of the First World War in a stirring production last week.
Director Daphne Breakspear ensured that the immensity of loss was revealed in a graphic cavalcade of sombre statistics, on a screen above the rear of the set. Recruitment posters and news headlines highlighted the impact of the war on individuals, families and nation. So many perished, for meagre gain.
The satire was emphasised by the adoption of military headgear, so at odds with The Merry Roosters’ jolly Pierrot costumes and the cheery, upbeat songs of the period.
There was hilarity as a bombastic Sergeant Major drilled raw recruits, who bore walking sticks to represent rifles and bayonets.
Those men had no hint of the sheer hell they would experience in the trenches, or their chances of being maimed or slaughtered. The misery and desolation of troops in wet, muddy trenches, amid so much death and destruction, contrasted sharply with the hope and humanity of Christmas, when enemies shared briefly in a gesture of goodwill.
This was a worthy tribute to all who fought and died in 1914-18. The show benefited from earshattering sound effects and excellent musical numbers, with fine soloists and chorus, and musicians John Davies and Keith Tyler.
The director chose to replace the show’s original finale, a rousing rendition of the title song, with a remarkably poignant act of remembrance.
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