In light of today’s political climate, Newcastle company, Northern Stage, have attempted to reinvent Joan Littlewood’s urgent orchestra of musicians, dancers, singers and clowns with a modern relevance by drawing parallels with the horror and futility of Britain’s current war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

With its ingenious mix of horror and hilarity, expressed through a unique formula of fast-paced sketches, songs and stories, Oh What A Lovely War hurls us through the whirlwind narrative of the First WorldWar, barely giving the audience a chance to come up for air.

Gary Kitching instantly introduces the interactive element of the play, with his pantomime-esque performance and self-conscious stage direction. The set combines traditional images of the Great War, from a dusty liquor-bar piano to creaky ladders, with an up-to-date edge.

The inclusion of a BBC-style news banner and projected pictures of propaganda adds to the undertone of irony which runs through the entire production, as statistics of soldiers killed and pictures of war-worn young men displayed in the background contrast sharply with the unwavering optimism of the characters.

The first act carries the audience through a dizzying display of national stereotypes and war chronology, all accompanied by an exuberant musical backdrop. Light-hearted ditties punctuate the script, providing comic respite from the political motivations and tribulations of war, making the play a favourite for GCSE and A-level students. The audience is delighted by the production’s depiction of German severity and French virility, although Britain does not escape the satire, with its stuffy, self-important stereotypes displayed with brilliance.

Tarek Merchant’s understated performance during the quick musical snapshots is perfectly camp and captivating, while the female cast members were invariably energetic with their rather dubious European accents adding to the tongue-in-cheek comedy.

The second act’s tone immediately falls a few notches, as the heightened buffoonery is transformed into poignant reflection. The juxtaposition of upbeat songs, such as It’s A Long Way To Tipperary, with more bittersweet favourites, such as I’ll be Seeing You, quickly dispel comfortable images of war and the supposed glory of combat, while retaining reverence for military bravery.

The most dynamic aspect of this North Eastern revamp is how believable the actors are when taking on such a myriad of roles and musical responsibilities. Such ambition can inevitably mean that certain aspects of a production are sold short, however, and it is often difficult to hear each of the individual voices during the songs, as they are not always strong enough to overcome the intensity of the human orchestra. While the result of bawdy humour and sombre shenanigans is stunning, it may be rather overwhelming for some.

Oh What A Lovely War, York Theatre Royal, until Saturday. Box office: 01904 623568.

Review by Laura Connor