Two leading drama groups in Trowbridge have combined for the first time to stage Joan Littlewood’s revue Oh, What a Lovely War, which opened at the Arc theatre this week.

Trowbridge Players and Trowbridge Amateur Oper-atic Society have joined forces for the first time in their 40-year histories to help the town mark the anniversary of the First World War.

To emphasise the aniversary, the groups held a photocall for the show at the bottom of Wicket Hill, in an area which has itself changed very little in the last 100 years.

Angela Giddings, of Trowbridge Players, said: “With a big cast involved we needed to bring the two groups together in order to stage this production and it is an exciting project.”

Set as an ‘end of the pier’ show, Oh, What a Lovely War summarises and comments on the events of the First World War, using facts and statistics, contrasted with reminiscences and songs of the time, as an ironic critique of the horrors of war.

The original production was performed with the cast in Pierrot costumes and helmets, due to Littlewood’s hatred for khaki and anti-war feelings.

The show features well-known songs from the era like It’s a Long Way To Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles, Keep the Home Fire Burning, and Goodbye.

Oh, What a Lovely War opened last night at The Arc on College Road, with shows tonight and tomorrow, and then from October 21 to 25. Tickets £10, from 01225 756376.