CAST and crew members of RAODS forthcoming production Oh What a Lovely War benefited from some research when they paid a visit to St Edwards School, Melchett Court in order to gain an insight into the conditions for soldiers who fought in the trenches during the Great War.

During the past few years the school has regularly taken boys to visit the battlefields of the Somme and Passchendaele led by teacher Stephan Whelan.

Through those visits and connections with the Imperial War Museum the school has built up an impressive collection of memorabilia and pictures of those times.

RAODS members were given the opportunity to wander amongst the many items collected ranging from shellcases and helmets to Lee Enfield rifles and a Vickers machine gun alongside pictures, photographs and personal items from people with connections to the school.

To make the singers in the cast feel at home music and songs from the period were played.

A presentation by teacher Stephan Whelan covered life in the trenches for front line soldiers along with the development of weapons, uniforms and equipment.

Stephan also covered many of the campaigns and individual actions some of which are translated into scenes depicted in the show.

Oh What a Lovely War runs from November 8 to 13 at The Plaza Theatre, Romsey. Audiences can also enjoy a talk about life in the trenches by Stephan Whelan on Monday November 8 and Thursday November 13 at 6.30pm.

Contact Clive Butcher at RAODS on 01794 502173 for more details.