The Documentary
In Oh Mad Delight Trevor Hills, a retired D'Oyly Carte singer, recounts his history at the Nazi Prison Camp of Stalag 383 in Hohenfels, Bavaria, where hundreds of male prisoners built theatres, made costumes, stole orchestras and put on four of Gilbert and Sullivan's best loved operas. His fascinating story is only one of many conversations given at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival every year.

The Ofladium Theatre
Thousands of men locked in a small area will need something to occupy their time. Together the prisoners of Stalag 383 converted a long barn-like hut into a fully operational theatre. Tons of earth were brought in to form a sloping floor, and though there were no permanent seats, the finished theatre could hold hundreds of men. The construction was far from easy, though, as the Nazi guards became unsettled to see the prisoners tearing down their own huts for materials and stealing random pieces of equipment from the German Administrative Offices.

The prisoners were unable to dig an orchestra pit for fear of attempted escapes, but when the camp Kommandant came to inspect the completed theatre, he decided to hand out shovels to help them form a place for their band. His actions had a deeper purpose though, for the Red Cross published photos of the Prison Camps, and the German Propaganda machine would be working full tilt if the prisoners appeared singing, dancing and enjoying themselves.

Faint Heart Never Played Fair Lady
Having received numerous libretti and scores from the Red Cross, the Prisoners of Stalag 383 decided they wanted to put on Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. A general anxiety over creating orchestral parts from mere vocal scores and having male soldiers appearing as women quickly turned into a communitive passion. Costumes were made, scores were written, sets were built, songs were learnt, and men took one for the team and appeared as a chorus of Sisters, Cousins and Aunts.

While there was a small ripple of amusement from the soldiers upon seeing one of their own in a dress and wig, it quickly passed, because the feminine illusion was a welcome escape from the trials of the war.

A More Humane Mikado
No play was more successful in Stalag 383 than Gilbert and Sullivan's Masterpiece, The Mikado. Not only were the prisoners delighted by this Christmastime surprise, but the camp Kommandant was so delighted that he cancelled role call for three days. The soldiers were certain that Gilbert and Sullivan would have deemed his actions a pretty tribute.

Trevor Hills played the title role of The Mikado in the production, and quickly became passionate for Gilbert & Sullivan and music in general. "I was a damned good Mikado" recalls the jovial veteran of war in the documentary.

Banish All Worry and Sorrow
Following the success of The Mikado, the Ofladium presented both The Yeomen of the Guard and The Gondoliers by Gilbert and Sullivan. Times had changed though, and while the Russians withheld supplies from German forces, the prisoners of war suffered as well. Trevor Hills claims, "It was nothing to see men dropping dead because of hunger". The shows went on anyway, though, and were a welcome release.

Trevor Hills
Having been imprisoned from a young age, Mr. Hills learned all his life skills in Stalag 383. When the war had ended he returned to his native Wales. After an accident at work, he boldly decided to put his theatrical training to use, and he auditioned for and won a part in the D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus. In the coming years he would take on numerous parts in the company. Join us in Oh Mad Delight to hear his fascinating story, told as only one who experienced it could.