The pioneering World War I musical that changed attitudes towards the conflict and helped re-shape British theatre upon its release is back on tour following a sold-out run in spring 2014.

Terry Johnson’s hit revival Oh What a Lovely War is a riot of music and colour, featuring some of the greatest songs of the era, including It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag.

Wendi Peters, who played Coronation Street’s iconic Cilla Battersby-Brown, is joined by EastEnders’ Ian Reddington and Emmerdale’s Christopher Villiers in the ensemble piece, which sees each actor playing multiple parts.

Peters says the rapid changing in roles is both the most thrilling and challenging aspect of the production.

She says: "To be honest, there’s no time to think about it, you just walk into the wings, put another hat on and back on you go as a completely different character.

"We are even now panicking slightly about getting all the costumes right for the correct bit; with such quick changes anything could happen."

The original show made its way to the West End in 1963, before opening on Broadway the following year, and received four Tony Award nominations including best musical.

Johnson's production juxtaposes upbeat songs of the time with a projected backdrop of images and shocking statistics conveying the harsh realities of war.

Peters says: "I love the show’s songs. My singing voice isn’t too bad and I trained in musical theatre so it’s nice to be getting back to my roots.

"There's so many classics and one fantastic tongue twisting song - Sister Susie’s sewing shirts for soldiers.

"The play does tackle some serious subject matter, but we have a lot of fun and I just love getting the audience involved and picking on individual members."

  • Oh What a Lovely War; Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond; February 10 to 14; evening shows 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinee shows 2.30pm; £12.90 to £48.90; visit atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre.