This revival of Joan Littlewood’s “musical entertainment” is a timely reminder of the follies of war as it brings home the terrible carnage suffered during the First World War.

Set within a seaside Pierrot show, it allows the caricature of military figures, who sing and dance to musical hall songs. Dialogue, based on true accounts, reflects the war from the ordinary soldier’s point of view.

Events take place in front of a screen showing war footage while an electronic news board above spells out events and devastating casualty statistics; the numbers still shock. An innovative touch is the roll call of Southwick residents who gave their lives.

Among the many iconic scenes, the one on Christmas Day, when English and German meet to exchange carols and gifts, remains as spellbinding as ever.

Many of the songs are delivered with a moving poignancy. The soldier’s parodies prove to be the most telling and effective – familiar hymns becoming Forward Joe Soap’s Army and When This Lousy War Is Over.

The cast work hard, switching seamlessly between their multiple roles. Being an ensemble piece, it is unfair to single out individual performances.

Although 50 years old, the show still packs an emotive punch.