Presented by Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park, this landmark production promises to be a powerful and timeless portrayal of the First World War, captivating audiences with its satirical brilliance and poignant reflection on the human cost of war. The milestone production is scheduled to debut later this year at the Wilde Theatre in Bracknell, before embarking on an extensive 29-stop tour across the UK.
Headshots and poster artwork: Blackeyed Theatre
Among the cast is Rose Bruford alumna Chioma Uma, who was shortlisted for the Evening Standard and TikTok Future Theatre Fund. Armed with a degree in Actor Musicianship, Chioma has performed in Brief Encounter on the New Wolsey and UK tours, Kiss Me Kate, Camelot and Othello at the Watermill, Newbury. Audiences may also be familiar with Chioma for her roles in immersive projects Doctor Who: Time Fracture, and Dirty Dancing by Secret Cinema. Beyond her acting prowess, Chioma has showcased her musical talents by composing and musically directing for theatre.
Joining Chioma in the cast is Harry Curley, a 2022 graduate of Rose Bruford College. With a leading role in his final year production of London Road, Harry has gone on to perform in noteworthy productions Summer in the City at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, and Caligari at New Diorama. Harry is currently featuring in Once at the Barn in Cirencester.
Also, among the graduates cast in this significant production is Euan Wilson. Euan’s impressive theatre career has included roles A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Vienna English Theatre, The Great Gatsby with Immersive London, and Zog on a UK tour, London, and Dubai.
Another Bruford alumnus gracing the stage in this milestone production is Tom Crabtree. As a graduate of Rose Bruford’s Actor Musicianship course, Tom has long exhibited his talents as a multi-instrumentalist specialised in Brass. Tom is also a founding member of the production company Off the Cuff Theatre/Film productions, where he fills the role of Director of Music in Performance.
Alice E Mayer completes the quintet of Bruford graduates in the production. A Welsh Actor Musician who graduated from Rose Bruford in 2021. Her professional stage debut as Elizabeth Lavenza in Blackeyed Theatre’s UK tour of Frankenstein was just the beginning. She has since become a regular voice actor in the award-winning Audible series The Chronicles of Wild Hollow and has toured Wales as Blodeuwedd in the bilingual Y Mabinogi. Her film credits include roles in Arcadia and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Alice’s passion for writing and multi-instrumental prowess has seen her create her first musical during her training and work on her one-woman show, Hourglass.
Together with Christopher Arkeston, this six-person-strong company will bring a remarkable array of talent for the 60th anniversary production of Oh What A Lovely War.
Tickets are available now.
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