The Radlett Light Opera Society has decided to go ahead with its November production of Oh What a Lovely War, after doubts in the light of the current war against terrorism.

The show's director Trevor Oakes said the terror attacks on the United States, and subsequent Western military action against Afghanistan, which began on October 7, created a "moral dilemma" for the society about whether to cancel or continue the production, about the First World War, at The Radlett Centre from November 20 to 24.

He said the dilemma arose because Oh What a Lovely War was a "history lesson on the futility of war", performed in a comic way, which could be considered inappropriate at a time when British soldiers were participating in a war.

But, he added: "We have given the matter very serious consideration and, on balance, we feel we should continue.

"To change the show would be almost impossible at this point, and to cancel would be to give in to terror and oppression."

He urged people not to be put off coming to see the production, because of its title, and said they could let the society know afterwards whether it was right to continue.

October 24, 2001 10:39