Birdsong

Synopsis

A mesmerising story of love, courage and sacrifice is now brought to the stage in this critically acclaimed version of Sebastian Faulks's bestselling novel. An epic tale of love and war set both before and during the Great War. In pre war France, a young Englishman Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep under ground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 29 September 2010

Sebastian Faulks’ wonderful 1993 novel Birdsong is a love story, a chronicle of horrendous conditions in the trenches of the First World War, and a tale of amazing human courage and resilience.

It’s a novel to wallow in, but Trevor Nunn and the writer of this stage version, Rachel Wagstaff, have brilliantly distilled a three-hour play without losing the density of the subject matter or the poetry of the story.

Stephen Wrayford, perfectly embodied by Ben Barnes – tall, dark, impulsive and stubborn – goes to Amiens in 1910 as a 20-year-old textile apprentice manager, embarks on a torrid affair with his host’s wife, Isabelle (Genevieve O'Reilly), and finds his rustic idyll literally engulfed by the First World War.

He becomes a lieutenant in the army, drawn to the dangers and horrors of the tunnel diggers, or sewer rats as they were called, having lost Isabelle who, finding herself pregnant by him, has run a...

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Latest User Review

Gordon - 9 January 2011:

We saw the 6th Jan performance and both agreed that it is a must see on the West End at the moment. A serious play, well acted which moves between sets effortlessly, engages the audience and creates a powerful atmosphere. I agree it does not match the magnificent Journey's End but that is a very high bar indeed as a comparison. There is, in my opinion, far too much complete rubbish on the West End at the moment (with one or two notable exceptions)and Birdsong stands head and shoulders above the mediocrity. Do yourself a favour and go see Birdsong before it finishes, a great night out. ...

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