Journey's End

Synopsis

Set in the First World War, Journey's End concerns the lives of a group of British officers on the front line and opens in a dugout in the trenches of France. Raleigh, a new eighteen-year-old officer fresh out of English public school, joins the besieged company of his friend and cricketing hero Stanhope, and finds him dramatically changed...

Our Review:

23 September 2005

David Grindley’s 75th anniversary production of Journey's End is now in its second year and fourth venue in the West End, complete with a new cast - and none of the poignant tragedy of the drama has been lost in transfer.

RC Sheriff's classic, based on his own experience in the trenches, follows a group of officers positioned behind British lines at St Quentin, France, awaiting their fate before a massive German offensive - an event which saw the deaths of 38,000 men.

The most striking element of this play is the silence. Several characters comment on how quiet it is in the trenches. The tension of just waiting for something to happen is superbly evoked by the ensemble cast, who (between sharply delivered bursts of dialogue) are comfortable enough in their roles to hold the stage alone in silent thought – an effective device which allows the audience a chance to reflect simultaneously on the futility of war. As fresh-faced 18-year-old 2nd Lieutenant...

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Latest User Review

Terri-Sioux - 1 February 2010:

when i read the play is was sooo boring...but as i had to do it for my english coursework, i got to know the play an really enjoyed it...

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