Oh, What a Lovely Voice! Caroline Quentin starts training for musical

 
22 October 2013

Television star Caroline Quentin will bring her forgotten singing voice to a new production of Oh, What a Lovely War! marking the centenary of the outbreak of the conflict.

The Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek actress, who started out in musicals such as Les Misérables, heads an ensemble cast for the show about the First World War at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

The production will also mark the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the musical in March 1963. It was created at the east London theatre by a team including legendary director Joan Littlewood.

The war has a personal resonance for Quentin as her grandfather met her grandmother when he was fighting with the Canadian army in Europe. “He didn’t die during the fighting but did very young and they thought it was because he had such a terrible war.” But it is professional pride that is making her do the show.

Quentin, 53, said she hoped to bring some “comedic edge” while showing off her little known singing and dancing skills. “It’s a very good chance to sing, which I haven’t done for quite a long time, in front of an audience.” She said she only knew the musical from the 1969 film version by Richard Attenborough which had made a huge impact on her. “It’s really a heartbreaking piece about the futility of war.”

It contrasts the harsh reality of war with popular songs from the period to deliver a powerful anti-war message. “But it will be respectful to those people who died,” Quentin said.

She added that being on stage reminded her of why she went into acting. “It’s so nice to show off in front of warm-blooded people and get laughs and approval and the shared experience.”

She is about to recommence singing lessons and will be training three times a week to prepare. “It’s a very physical show. I need to be as strong as an ox.”

The production will run at the Theatre Royal Stratford East from February 1 to March 15 next year with tickets from £6.50. There are deals for Newham residents and schools. Box office 020 8534 0310, stratfordeast.com

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