World War One

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All Is Calm, The Story Of The Christmas Truce

20141224

In All Is Calm, John Hurt tells the story of the most famous ceasefire in history, through diaries, letters and archive accounts from the soldiers themselves.

It is perhaps the perfect Christmas fable - of goodness vanquishing evil, if just for one day. And surely that's why the story is still told and wondered at a century later and remains so relevant as conflicts rage around the world. It has inspired music, poetry, films and even the occasional comic sketch.

So, as well as recalling the events of Christmas Day 1914, in the programme we'll also hear how a revival of interest in the story was inspired by the stage musical Oh ! What a Lovely War The Poet Laureate Carol Anne Duffy reads her poem about the events of Christmas Day 1914 and author Michael Morpurgo explains why they inspired him to write a story about the Christmas Truce for children.

In 1990, The Farm composed All Together Now, an anthem inspired by the events of 1914, and songwriter peter Hooton explains why he has re-recorded the song with English and German schoolboys to mark the centenary. And of course, that famous football match in No Man's Land was the setting for the video that accompanied Pipes of Peace, Paul McCartney's Christmas number one of 1983. It even inspired a memorable scene in an episode of Blackadder.

John Hurt tells the story of the WWI Christmas truce through soldiers' accounts.

Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One

Ballads Of The Great War, Live

20181109

Author Michael Morpurgo and a superb cast of singers join the BBC Philharmonic for a special live concert, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Aled Jones, John Tams, Julie Matthews, Bob Fox, Chris While, Jez Lowe and Barry Coope sing outstanding songs composed for the award-winning Radio 2 series, The Ballads of the Great War.

Michael Morpurgo will read passages from his books, War Horse and Private Peaceful, and in combination with the musical performances and vivid testimonies, pay tribute to people whose lives were so greatly affected by the terrible conflict.

The songs, written by some of the UK's finest folk musicians, are based on recordings of real people describing their experiences in WWI at home and abroad. The songs and the words that inspired them have appeared on Radio 2 every November for the past five years, during The Ballads of the Great War.

The original songs have received stirring new orchestral arrangements by Greg Lawson, and will be interwoven with the poignant spoken testimonies that inspired them. Popular music from the time will also feature, and there will be a guest appearance by world champion whistler David Morris.

During the interval, hear performances by Barbara Dickson and Billy Bragg, and Charlotte Czyzyk from the Imperial War Museum North talks about a project called Lives of the First World War.

Michael Morpurgo and the BBC Philharmonic mark 100 years since the end of World War One.

Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One

Forgotten Heroes: The Indian Army In The Great War

20141108

As part of Radio 2's Festival of Remembrance, Sarfraz Manzoor tells the largely forgotten story of the 1.27 million men from the Indian Army who took part in the Great War, through the letters that soldiers sent home from front lines, which were saved by military censors and survive to this day.

The Asian contribution to the First World War has been overlooked by many, despite the fact that Indian soldiers fought alongside British troops in every major battle from Ypres to Gallipoli. Soldiers from unpartioned India, which is today India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as Gurkhas from Nepal, joined the war in the opening weeks. They helped to prevent the Germans from reaching the ports of the English Channel and many continued to fight into 1919 as the war continued to rage in the Middle East.

The programme traces the Indian involvement in the conflict, from shock and disbelief at the carnage of trench warfare in the first weeks of the war to the struggle to survive the inhospitable desert conditions in Mesopotamia. We hear how the British army helped soldiers observe a diverse range of diets and rituals in accordance with their religious beliefs. And back in India, Sarfraz learns how the war took its toll on those who were left behind.

Interviews include Major Gordon Corrigan, author of 'Sepoys in the Trenches', Squadron Leader Rana Chhina of the United Service Institution of India, Dr Santanu Das of King's College London, Dr Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of Rice University, Texas, Military and Community Historian Jahan Mahmood and politician Baroness Flather.

An excerpt from 'Subterranean Sepoys' is courtesy of Avin Shah and Tara Arts. The folksong performance is by Mazhar Tirmazi and the readers are Sagar Arya and Pooja Ghai.

Sarfraz Manzoor tells the story of the 1.27 million Indian Army men in the First World War

Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One

Oh What A Lovely War

20141114

20140314 (R2)

As Britain and the world sets out to mark the centenary of the start of WW1 in 1914, Radio 2 begins its commemorations with by broadcasting Tony Award winning director Terry Johnson's new production of 'Oh What A Lovely War' performed at The Theatre Royal Stratford East, the theatre where it was created by Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop half a century ago. The ensemble includes Caroline Quentin and the music is directed by Mike Dixon.

In 1963, despite it being 45 years since the end of the First World War, the debut performance of Joan Littlewood's musical that delivered a satirical slant on the horrific events of the Great War, sent shock waves through British society. This society was yet to embrace the freedom of the sixties and was still recovering from the brutal reality of another World War and so wanted to bury its head in the sand rather than face the human cost that war brings.

Oh What A Lovely War' is perhaps the best known stage play attacking the Great War. This musical comedy has always been controversial and has enormous impact. Even in 1963, almost half a century after the war, the musical was refused a license for a West End performance, until Princess Margaret, who saw it in Stratford remarked to the Lord Chamberlain: 'What you've said here tonight should have been said long ago, don't you agree?' It went on to be a huge stage success, before heading to Broadway and film.

The musical takes the form of an end of the pier Pierrot show comprising a series of popular songs of the period , 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary,' 'Pack up Your Troubles', 'Oh What A Lovely War' and 'Keep the Home Fires Burning', intercut with satirical sketches and arranged in such a way as to map out the progress of the war.

The Theatre Royal Stratford East's restages Joan Littlewood's WWI musical satire.

Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One

The Ballad Of The Great War, 1914

20141111

20181017 (R2)

The Ballad of the Great War - 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in those first few months of the conflict both at home and abroad. The stories are accompanied by original music written especially for the programme and was inspired by the stories told.

In this programme we hear stories about La Belle ɀpoque, the era of calm before the outbreak of the first world war, the clamour by young men to join the army during August 1914, the London buses which were conscripted into the army to take the troops to the battlefields, the battle of Mons, trench warfare, the bombardment by German battleships of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool and The Christmas Truce.

The songs for this programme are written by John Tams, Billy Bragg, Julie Matthews, Jez Lowe and Sean Cooney.

This programme, which has been a year in the making, was produced by John Leonard.

The ballad of 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in the conflict.

Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One

In this programme we hear stories about La Belle Époque, the era of calm before the outbreak of the first world war, the clamour by young men to join the army during August 1914, the London buses which were conscripted into the army to take the troops to the battlefields, the battle of Mons, trench warfare, the bombardment by German battleships of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool and The Christmas Truce.

The songs for this programme are written by John Tams, Billy Bragg, Julie Matthews, Jez Lowe and Sean Cooney.

This programme, which has been a year in the making, was produced by John Leonard.

The ballad of 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in the conflict.

Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
All Is Calm, The Story Of The Christmas Truce	20141224		In All Is Calm, John Hurt tells the story of the most famous ceasefire in history, through diaries, letters and archive accounts from the soldiers themselves. It is perhaps the perfect Christmas fable - of goodness vanquishing evil, if just for one day. And surely that's why the story is still told and wondered at a century later and remains so relevant as conflicts rage around the world. It has inspired music, poetry, films and even the occasional comic sketch. So, as well as recalling the events of Christmas Day 1914, in the programme we'll also hear how a revival of interest in the story was inspired by the stage musical Oh ! What a Lovely War The Poet Laureate Carol Anne Duffy reads her poem about the events of Christmas Day 1914 and author Michael Morpurgo explains why they inspired him to write a story about the Christmas Truce for children. In 1990, The Farm composed All Together Now, an anthem inspired by the events of 1914, and songwriter peter Hooton explains why he has re-recorded the song with English and German schoolboys to mark the centenary. And of course, that famous football match in No Man's Land was the setting for the video that accompanied Pipes of Peace, Paul McCartney's Christmas number one of 1983. It even inspired a memorable scene in an episode of Blackadder. John Hurt tells the story of the WWI Christmas truce through soldiers' accounts. Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One
Ballads Of The Great War, Live	20181109		Author Michael Morpurgo and a superb cast of singers join the BBC Philharmonic for a special live concert, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War. Aled Jones, John Tams, Julie Matthews, Bob Fox, Chris While, Jez Lowe and Barry Coope sing outstanding songs composed for the award-winning Radio 2 series, The Ballads of the Great War. Michael Morpurgo will read passages from his books, War Horse and Private Peaceful, and in combination with the musical performances and vivid testimonies, pay tribute to people whose lives were so greatly affected by the terrible conflict. The songs, written by some of the UK's finest folk musicians, are based on recordings of real people describing their experiences in WWI at home and abroad. The songs and the words that inspired them have appeared on Radio 2 every November for the past five years, during The Ballads of the Great War. The original songs have received stirring new orchestral arrangements by Greg Lawson, and will be interwoven with the poignant spoken testimonies that inspired them. Popular music from the time will also feature, and there will be a guest appearance by world champion whistler David Morris. During the interval, hear performances by Barbara Dickson and Billy Bragg, and Charlotte Czyzyk from the Imperial War Museum North talks about a project called Lives of the First World War. Michael Morpurgo and the BBC Philharmonic mark 100 years since the end of World War One. Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One
Forgotten Heroes: The Indian Army In The Great War	20141108		As part of Radio 2's Festival of Remembrance, Sarfraz Manzoor tells the largely forgotten story of the 1.27 million men from the Indian Army who took part in the Great War, through the letters that soldiers sent home from front lines, which were saved by military censors and survive to this day. The Asian contribution to the First World War has been overlooked by many, despite the fact that Indian soldiers fought alongside British troops in every major battle from Ypres to Gallipoli. Soldiers from unpartioned India, which is today India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as Gurkhas from Nepal, joined the war in the opening weeks. They helped to prevent the Germans from reaching the ports of the English Channel and many continued to fight into 1919 as the war continued to rage in the Middle East. The programme traces the Indian involvement in the conflict, from shock and disbelief at the carnage of trench warfare in the first weeks of the war to the struggle to survive the inhospitable desert conditions in Mesopotamia. We hear how the British army helped soldiers observe a diverse range of diets and rituals in accordance with their religious beliefs. And back in India, Sarfraz learns how the war took its toll on those who were left behind. Interviews include Major Gordon Corrigan, author of 'Sepoys in the Trenches', Squadron Leader Rana Chhina of the United Service Institution of India, Dr Santanu Das of King's College London, Dr Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of Rice University, Texas, Military and Community Historian Jahan Mahmood and politician Baroness Flather. An excerpt from 'Subterranean Sepoys' is courtesy of Avin Shah and Tara Arts. The folksong performance is by Mazhar Tirmazi and the readers are Sagar Arya and Pooja Ghai. Sarfraz Manzoor tells the story of the 1.27 million Indian Army men in the First World War Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One
Oh What A Lovely War	20141114	20140314 (R2)	As Britain and the world sets out to mark the centenary of the start of WW1 in 1914, Radio 2 begins its commemorations with by broadcasting Tony Award winning director Terry Johnson's new production of 'Oh What A Lovely War' performed at The Theatre Royal Stratford East, the theatre where it was created by Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop half a century ago. The ensemble includes Caroline Quentin and the music is directed by Mike Dixon. In 1963, despite it being 45 years since the end of the First World War, the debut performance of Joan Littlewood's musical that delivered a satirical slant on the horrific events of the Great War, sent shock waves through British society. This society was yet to embrace the freedom of the sixties and was still recovering from the brutal reality of another World War and so wanted to bury its head in the sand rather than face the human cost that war brings. Oh What A Lovely War' is perhaps the best known stage play attacking the Great War. This musical comedy has always been controversial and has enormous impact. Even in 1963, almost half a century after the war, the musical was refused a license for a West End performance, until Princess Margaret, who saw it in Stratford remarked to the Lord Chamberlain: 'What you've said here tonight should have been said long ago, don't you agree?' It went on to be a huge stage success, before heading to Broadway and film. The musical takes the form of an end of the pier Pierrot show comprising a series of popular songs of the period , 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary,' 'Pack up Your Troubles', 'Oh What A Lovely War' and 'Keep the Home Fires Burning', intercut with satirical sketches and arranged in such a way as to map out the progress of the war. The Theatre Royal Stratford East's restages Joan Littlewood's WWI musical satire. Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One
The Ballad Of The Great War, 1914	20141111	20181017 (R2)	The Ballad of the Great War - 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in those first few months of the conflict both at home and abroad. The stories are accompanied by original music written especially for the programme and was inspired by the stories told. In this programme we hear stories about La Belle ɀpoque, the era of calm before the outbreak of the first world war, the clamour by young men to join the army during August 1914, the London buses which were conscripted into the army to take the troops to the battlefields, the battle of Mons, trench warfare, the bombardment by German battleships of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool and The Christmas Truce. The songs for this programme are written by John Tams, Billy Bragg, Julie Matthews, Jez Lowe and Sean Cooney. This programme, which has been a year in the making, was produced by John Leonard. The ballad of 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in the conflict. Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One The Ballad of the Great War - 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in those first few months of the conflict both at home and abroad. The stories are accompanied by original music written especially for the programme and was inspired by the stories told. In this programme we hear stories about La Belle Époque, the era of calm before the outbreak of the first world war, the clamour by young men to join the army during August 1914, the London buses which were conscripted into the army to take the troops to the battlefields, the battle of Mons, trench warfare, the bombardment by German battleships of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool and The Christmas Truce. The songs for this programme are written by John Tams, Billy Bragg, Julie Matthews, Jez Lowe and Sean Cooney. This programme, which has been a year in the making, was produced by John Leonard. The ballad of 1914, featuring stories told by men and women who took part in the conflict. Music and documentaries marking the centenary of World War One