Whizzbangs and War Songs

Whizzbangs and War Songs: An evening with Tom Carradine performing The Great War Songbook

Settle into the original Recreation Hut at Great War Huts and travel back to the First World War through the songs that became part of everyday life during the conflict. Tom Carradine brings his acclaimed Great War Songbook to Brook Farm Camp for a lively and entertaining evening of stories, music and plenty of opportunities to join in.

"The Great War Songbook" explores the songs of the First World War and the remarkable stories behind them. Among the many tales uncovered are the sad fate of the lyricist behind Keep the Home Fires Burning, how two brothers, one a conscientious objector, wrote the most famous marching song of the war, and how a playground parody penned by a 12-year-old boy became a favourite in the trenches. A moving and informative journey through music that mattered, with plenty of sing-along audience participation.

About Tom:

Tom Carradine is a performer, musical director and historian who has spent the last 12 years championing community singing, Music Hall and the songs that shaped everyday life in the early 20th century. Best known for his Cockney Sing-a-long shows, he has become a familiar figure at venues including Wilton's Music Hall, Brick Lane Music Hall and Leeds City Varieties, as well as through his work with The Players Theatre. Alongside this, Tom has a deep interest in the music of the First World War and has performed on numerous occasions at Talbot House, the former soldiers’ club just behind the lines at Ypres, now a living museum. He is also the co-host of the podcast The A to Z of Wartime Song with his long-time collaborator and vintage songstress Lili Redman, exploring the stories behind the songs that helped people laugh, cry and carry on during the dark days of both world wars.

Find out more about Tom here.