During World War 2, many British theatres had to close due to bombings and blackouts. ENSA was created to provide entertainment for troops and munitions workers. After the war, the Old Vic theatre helped revive London's theatre scene along with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Experimental groups like Theatre Workshop used agitprop techniques to promote political messages and entertain children freed from Nazi camps. The theatre both reflected and was influenced by the events and circumstances of the time period.