Singalong songs from the end of a pier combine with the horrors of the trenches in a community drama production at Sheringham this week.

Eastern Daily Press: You 'orrible little man! The realities of war hit home in Oh What a Lovely War at Sheringham Little TheatreYou 'orrible little man! The realities of war hit home in Oh What a Lovely War at Sheringham Little Theatre (Image: Archant)

The musical Oh What a Lovely War features 29 youngsters and adults.

It tackles a poignant story contrasting the patriotic fervour among young men heading off to the First World War, with the reality of death and injury on the battlefields.

The show is the fourth community production by the Sheringham Little Theatre, whose director Debbie Thompson said: 'The idea is to give all ages the opportunity to get involved in performing.

'We have people from eight to 80. The young people get so much from working with the more experienced actors, and the older people love the buzz of working with the young. There is a real sense of family.'

The latest show - which follows Oliver, Annie and the Pirates of Penzance - was the theatre's way of marking the outbreak of the Great War.

Mrs Thompson added: 'It was a challenge because it is harrowing with some strong issues. The young are certainly learning from it.'

There was a blend of music hall song, pathos, humour and horror.

'Young boys who went off to war in high spirits return in bandages and with lost limbs,' she added.

The stage musical was first performed in 1963, and poignantly the 1969 film version was the first taste of movie directing for Sir Richard Attenborough, who died this summer.

The show opens tonight, Wednesday, and runs until Saturday, with shows at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 18s. To book visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call 01263 822347.