FLICKY HARRISON checks out the Phoenix Players’ latest play In a completely different vein to many of the tributes marking the centenary of the First World War, a Swindon theatre company is tackling a satire.

Oh What A Lovely War is being presented by the Phoenix Players at Swindon’s Arts Centre, in Devizes Road, Old Town, from Wednesday, September 24 to Saturday, September 27 from 7.30pm.

Emma Palmer from the Phoenix Players said: “It is our tribute to all those who fought and died in this terrible conflict.”

The 40-strong members rehearse at New College, presenting three productions a year, including shows such as Marking Time, by Michael Snelgrove, which Emma directed last year, and Lend Me A Tenor, a comedy they performed earlier this year in January.

Oh What A Lovely War began as a radio play in 1961, called The Long Long Trail. It was turned into a musical for stage in 1963 when it changed its name to the music hall song, which is now one of the major numbers in the show.

In 1969 it became a full length feature film with an all star cast including various members of the Redgrave family: Corin Redgrave, Michael Redgrave and Vanessa Redgrave.

In Swindon’s production it is the Sly family who are all on stage together as Annie, 15, and Max, 18 join their parents, Nikki and Mike Sly in the show.

Nikki and Mike have been stalwarts on the Swindon amateur dramatics scene since 1989.

Oh What A Lovely War is a satire on the events of the First World War, using popular songs of the time, many of which were parodies of older popular songs.

Emma said: “It has scenes of humour and sadness and a large cast. It is a classic of modern theatre.”

Tickets are £10 (£9 concessions) from 07517 698083. It is not suitable for children under 12.