The Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain

The new show by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, commissioned by Birmingham Town Hall, explores the music of WW1.

How do we reminisce and connect through music? Music that conjures ordinary life can be very welcome, a comfort when you are scared and a long way from home. But music can also be used to make bold statements, stir controversy and to send a message. The World War provoked the deepest responses in people – responses of thought, of feeling, of pride, of terror and of stupidity.

The musician’s response to World War One created a mountain of music of all kinds and from all around the world. This show explores and demonstrates this outpouring, cresting the heights of joy and reaching the darker depths. Some tunes are poignant and touching, others filled with bravado. Inventively, the Orchestra has drawn together music and songs from people around the globe and woven them into a new show full of humanity, profundity, delicate delights, exciting drama, wry amusement and downright hilarity.