SO many songs penned and performed during World War 11 have endured because of the emotional strength and comfort they gave to people in that terrible time.
The British tradition of sing-along has kept these wartime songs alive. In 2011 Ipswich’s Clive Render wrote a concert titled “Songs that Won the War” for Ipswich Musical Theatre to perform and it was so popular it has been performed every year since.
IMT has carried on the tradition to stage it at the Old Courthouse, on the corner of East and Roderick Streets, Ipswich, each year on the Sunday prior to Remembrance Day.
“Songs That Won the War” describes through song, what it was like for Clive to live in wartime England.
Although he was only six when the war ended, he has memories of being evacuated to England’s south.
As well as the songs, sound recordings of missiles, “doodle-bugs”, and voice recordings of Chamberlain, Churchill and Eisenhower are included to recreate the era.
Songs include Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner, Keep the Home Fires Burning, Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler, Underneath the Arches, the White Cliffs of Dover and Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye to name just a few.
Bookings for the concert can be made through the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre and the ticket price of $20 includes a Devonshire afternoon tea at intermission.
The concert is at 1.30pm on Sunday, November 6.
