A local drama group has enlisted the help of young musicians to provide a six-piece orchestra for a performance of “Oh! What A Lovely War”.

Woolpit Drama Club will be staging a production of the play to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World with £1 from every ticket sold donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Julian Jarvis, a music teacher at County Upper School, in Bury St Edmunds, will be acting as musical director. He has recruited a number of sixth form students to play for the show’s songs and musical numbers alongside pianist Calvin Goymer.

Julian said: “I am delighted to be working with the drama club and directing school musicians, many of whom are the same age as the young men who went off to the trenches in the war. Our involvement is part of County Upper School’s continuing policy of serving the wider community.”

“Oh! What A Lovely War” was created by Joan Littlewood’s Theatre workshop in 1963. Littlewood had commissioned a playwright but was not happy with the script, so she decided to create something herself, working with actors in the Theatre Workshop company.

It is being performed at Woolpit Village Hall, on November 20, 21, and 22, at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on November 22. Tickets are £10 (under 16’s £6) are available from Woolpit Post Office or telephone 01359 242283 to book.