LANE End Players offered a fine rendition of the Joan Littlewood musical depicting the futility, waste and stupidity of war. Set in the 1914-18 Great War and cleverly directed by Alan Rimmer the company depicted comedy and tragedy in equal parts. With an excellent group of musicians under the superb leadership of Sarah Westcott the cast ably performed for over two hours with singing and some fine acting many of the cast taking on several roles.

The cleverly constructed set and excellent costumes by Eve Berry, Tish Marshall, Sophie Marshall and Lannie Staff added to the authenticity of the show.

The costumes were those of Pierrots differentiating between the leaders and the soldiers ’lions led by donkeys’.

The skilled make-up depicting the dirty and injured men made the action seem more realistic. The clever use of a screen with news and pictures of the events unfolding made the action seem more poignant and illustrated the appalling casualties in the ‘war to end all wars’. The lighting and sound effects of the battle scenes made the actions all the more real. This was a great evening’ s entertainment.