Theatre News

Caroline Quentin in ensemble for Stratford East's anniversary Oh What A Lovely War

Casting has been announced for Terry Johnson’s production, which opens in February

Caroline Quentin during the curtain call of Terrible Advice
Caroline Quentin during the curtain call of Terrible Advice at the Chocolate Factory (2011)
© Dan Wooller

Caroline Quentin will appear in the Theatre Royal Stratford East's forthcoming 50th anniversary production of Oh What A Lovely War.

Directed by Terry Johnson (La Cage aux Folles) and designed by Lez Brotherston, the production runs from 1 February to 15 March 2014.

The ensemble also features: Alice Bailey-Johnson, Ian Bartholomew, Oliver J Hembrough, Rebecca Howell, Tom Lorcan, Shaun Prendergast, Zoe Rainey, Kyle Redmond-Jones and Michael Simkins.

The revival of Joan Littlewood's satirical World War One musical, which premiered at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 19 March 1963, also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1914-18 conflict.

According to press material, "This reimagined production of the musical about World War I is packed full of familiar songs from the era, juxtaposing with shocking statistics from conflict and the harsh realities of war. Oh What A Lovely War is a powerful comment against war in general and its message remains relevant to modern audiences."

Caroline Quentin is best known for her roles in the popular television series Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek. She recently performed in Relative Values directed by Trevor Nunn for the Theatre Royal, Bath, Terrible Advice at the Menier Chocolate Factory and new comedy series Big Bad World.