This production of one of Britain’s favourite First World War novels (by Sebastian Faulks) is nearing the end of its three year tour – it finishes at the end of this week at Richmond Theatre.
The set is a war-torn town that doubles as the front line. Against the soft colours of the dawn and night skies are the wooden stakes and barbed wire of the trenches – and it can be no mistake that one looks distinctly like a cross. The sound effects – the constant background shelling and overhead planes – were superb and we jumped on several occasions at particularly loud blasts.
When the men are tunnelling underground, you almost share their sense of fear, isolation and claustrophobia. But their quiet bravery as they tackle their awful work shines through. The horror, fear, pain and distress at being so far from home and loved ones is conveyed through the stories of the characters who represent all aspects of the British forces – from the North of England, Scotland and Wales and from the upper class officers to the working class men.
Yet against the terrible conditions of war, it shows the incredible bonds that grew between soldiers who risked their lives for their fellow men and officers. And the stoic determination with which they followed orders and fulfilled their duty. And how, in rare moments, they managed to enjoy the simple things in life – singing, joking and sharing letters from home.
The music is astonishing. Violins and songs that are one moment playful and uplifting (“Hold your hand out, you naughty boy”) and the next soulful and sad. The gentle but harmonious male voices at times prompted a tear.
And against this backdrop we see the doomed love story of Stephen Wraysford (played by Edmund Wiseman) and Isabelle (Emily Bowker) – where the play moves back and forth in time. Flashbacks are always hard to convey, but these were done artfully.
And there are the equally moving stories of young Tipper (Max Bowden is utterly convincing) and Firebrace (Peter Duncan), which for me was the stand-out performance of the evening.
It’s a powerful reminder of the history of the Somme and a moving account of the heroism of so many men who gave their lives. Whether young or old, it’s a production that you need to see.
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/birdsong/richmond-theatre/
http://www.birdsongthetour.com/
