As it is VE Day, today’s Flashback Friday reflects on five theatre shows that commemorated the bravery of those who opposed tyranny during World War II.
Musicals old and new like The Sound of Music and Only The Brave feature alongside a re imagining of the Cinderella Story through ballet from Matthew Bourne.
The backbone of fighting spirit with British humour is represented by a stage version of Spike Milligan’s Adolf Hitler My Part In His Downfall wasn’t afraid to address the tragedy of real-life into its plot.
Also included is Newport Playgoer’s beautiful and memorable presentation of The Diary of Anne Frank, which was presented at Newport’s Dolman Theatre in February.
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella relocated the story to World War II Photo Johan Persson
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella (UK Tour)
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
April, 2017
“This re-interpretation of the classic fairy tale, has, at its heart, a true war-time romance.”
Spike Milligan’s Adolf Hitler- My part in his Downfall transferred to the stage in 2010 with Shotlo Morgan as Gunner Milligan.
Spike Milligan’s Adolf Hitler – My Part In His Downfall (UK Tour)
New Theatre, Cardiff
May, 2010
“The production is a wonderful example of tragicomedy that never fails to surprise.”
Only The Brave premiered at Wales Millennium Centre in 2016
Only The Brave (UK Tour)
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
March, 2016
“The musical’s strengths lie in its more humane moments , from the companies’ rendition of Cuppa Tea (a tribute to the essential front-line beverage) to Wally Parr’s questioning of events in What The Hell Am I Doing? sung with conviction by Thomas Aldridge.”
The brave story of the Von Trapp family singers was recalled in The Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music (UK Tour)
New Theatre, Cardiff
February, 2018
“This wonderfully lavish staging tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom at the start of World War Two.”
The Diary of Anne Frank was presented by Newport Playgoers in February 2020. Photo by Pixels In Time
The Diary of Anne Frank (Newport Playgoers)
Dolman Theatre, Newport
February, 2020
“There are few times when all the components of successful theatre ie. set, mood and characterisation, combine – This is one of those times!”