Wartime winner

SONGS that Won the War was such a hit for Ipswich Musical Theatre Company last year that it will be presented again on Remembrance Day.

The musical features songs by such greats as Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Bing Crosby, George Formby, The Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller, Dinah Shore, Bob Hope and Judy Garland.

The company's co-founder and artistic director Brenda Ryan said the songs of the Second World War "kept the morale up of both the troops and the people left at home and helped them win the war".

"That was much needed back then. That is why the songs have lived on for so long," she said.

"When we did this last year on Remembrance Day we noticed most of the audience had the words of the songs on their lips. We said that if we forgot any words we just had to look to the audience."

The songs are sung by members of the company. The musical is written and directed by Clive Render.

"He wrote it in two eras. He has a grandmother (played by Doreen Orton) telling her grandchildren about the war in present-day times. She is the narrator," she said.

"As well as the songs there are speeches by Chamberlain, Churchill and Eisenhower."

Songs that Won the War is at The Old Courthouse, Ipswich, on Sunday, November 11, from 1.30pm. Adults are $15, concession is $12. For bookings phone 3281 0555, email info@

discoveripswich.com.au or visit ipswichmusicaltheatrecompany

.com.au.