SETTLE Amateur Operative Society (SAOS) will present a show to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The first production of Oh What a Lovely War was in 1963. The year also saw the Profumo Affair, the creation of the National Theatre and the first Beatles’ LP.

Most of the cast of SAOS’ November production Oh What a Lovely War were born well after these events took place. They, however, are fully aware that this November marks a significant world-wide commemoration, the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Producer Pat Harding said: “The society wanted to mark the centenary in their own way and this show is the ideal vehicle. It views the First World War through the perspective of the common soldier. It sets grim battle statistics against songs of the period.”

The use of Pierrot costumes was an inspired choice by original writer and director Joan Littlewood, as it shows the seaside tradition. The show captures an ‘At the end of the pier’ atmosphere where umbrellas and walking sticks are used to portray guns when the cast slip from stage to battle scene.

Oh What a Lovely War will run from Monday, November 5, to Saturday, November 10, at Settle Victoria Hall.