Birdsong receives tremendous ovation at the Rep.
Birdsong, Birmingham Rep, Monday 27 January – Saturday 1 February 2025.
Review by Ashley Hayward.
This play is based on Sebastian Faulks’ highly acclaimed romantic novel set against some of the horrific events of the First World War and a talented cast and crew certainly provide a powerful, compelling and extremely moving stage version. Adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Alastair Whatley the play is in 3 acts covering the period 1910 to 1918.
In Act One we meet the central character Stephen Wraysford an Englishman who is in Northern France learning about the textile industry. Here he meets and falls in love with Isabelle, the wife of a factory owner and they begin their illicit affair.
James Esler gives an immensely mature performance as the complex Stephen whilst Charlie Russell shines as Isabelle, the well to do wife with a social conscience. She is trapped in a controlling and abusive relationship with her much older husband and together Esler and Russell beautifully portray a passionate, tender and loving relationship.
In Act 2 we are in 1916 and Stephen is now a Lieutenant in the British Army charged with responsibility for leading his men over the top and underground at the at the Battle of the Somme. The full horror of the war is superbly depicted with loud sound effects, plenty of smoke and simple scenery as well as effective lighting and atmospheric music.
The men under Stephen’s command spend a lot of time undertaking the highly dangerous task of tunnelling and planting explosives. The claustrophobic nature of the work is powerfully illustrated as is the bravery, comradeship and good humour of the soldiers.
There is an exceptional performance from Max Bowden as Jack Firebrace, an experienced ‘tunneller’, who manages to remain cheerful and supportive despite the incredible dangers he was facing and the additional worry of being informed by a letter from home that his young son was critically ill.
In Act 3 Stephen reluctantly agrees to take some leave and returns to France to try and make contact with Isabelle who has frequently occupied his thoughts during his time on the front line particularly when he was being treated for a painful injury to his leg.
Stephen then returns to the action and there is an incredibly moving scene when he and Jack are trapped in a tunnel and share their most intimate thoughts as a real bond between them is formed.
There are excellent performances from the entire cast many of whom double up and also facilitate the very slick scene changes.
Watching the performance was emotionally harrowing especially when over optimistic officers were sending men to almost certain death and not even informing them that wires they had been informed were already cut had, in fact, been left in place.
It was a long play but at no time did it drag and the audience seemed completely riveted throughout. There was a tremendous ovation given at the end. Many were standing and some were in tears.
Birdsong runs until Saturday 1 February. For tickets go to: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/birdsong/#event-booking
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