Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme

Synopsis

From the humour of the barrack room initiation, to the powerful moment in the trenches before they face almost certain death at the Somme, this startling and memorable play follows the experiences of eight volunteers serving in the 36th Ulster Division at the beginning of the First World War. They came from Derry, Coleraine, Tyrone, Enniskillen and Belfast, united by the Ulster cause and ancient instinct more than a hatred of the Germans. But only one survives, haunted years later by the ghosts and memories from his past and the burning question "Why?" Winner of many awards including The London Evening Standard Award, The Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, Harvey's Best Play Award, The Cheltenham Literary Prize and The Plays and Players Award.

Our Review:

24 June 2009

Hampstead Theatre has been good to Frank McGuinness. It’s that corner of a foreign field where his Irish dramas have flourished regularly since the mid-eighties - indeed since this very play received its British premiere under Michael Attenborough’s direction. The relevance of John Dove’s strongly cast revival seems subtly different this time round: the play’s themes appear less parochial and more universal now that the Irish troubles have made way for a return to more traditional forms of military combat in lands more distant than either Ulster or France.

McGuinness’ economical, four-scene structure introduces us to eight Protestant soldiers as they enlist to fight for King and Country in the Great War. With deft technical skill he explores the complex relationships that evolve between them following recruitment, during home leave and finally at the build-up to the ‘Big Push’ which, as we know from the outset, will leave all but on...

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Latest User Review

kilburncat - 3 July 2009:

The cast are quite outstanding in this mesmerising piece which is intelligently acted and a beautifully conceived production. The floridity of the writing contributes to the sense of arcane universality, but it is with a feeling of disappointment that one realises that it is ultimately about the hang ups and demons of the northern Irish. ...

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