New online production of Birdsong to be streamed in July

A brand new, virtual production of Birdsong will be presented online in July.

Adapted from Sebastian Faulks' award-winning novel by Rachel Wagstaff, the piece will be filmed by cast members in isolation in costume, with virtual sets, sound design and lighting.

The show itself, which follows a series of individuals both at home and on the Western Front during the First World War, will feature narration and an introduction by Faulks, with the full show lasting around two hours. It will be created in association with the British Legion.

Wagstaff's version of the show was presented between 2013 and 2018 by the Original Theatre Company. The playwright said today: "I'm really pleased to be teaming up again with directors Alastair Whatley and Charlotte Peters and The Original Theatre Company. Their work means a great deal to me and I'm very glad to be able to both support and promote it.

"I'm also very impressed that they have found a new way of making and creating work which, with theatres being closed for the foreseeable future, will be so essential for many of us. With the support of audiences around the world, I hope we can continue Birdsong's journey from page to stage to being made online, and keep alive the flame of theatre, storytelling, and the sacrifices of so many, for us."

The digital production has design by David Woodhead, costumes by Siobhan Boyd, sound by Dom Bilkey and musical direction by James Findlay. It will be edited by Tristan Sheppard.

Cast will include Tom Kay (Stephen Wraysford), Madeleine Knight (Isabelle Azaire), Tim Treloar (Firebrace), Liam McCormick (Arthur Shaw), Malcolm James (Captain Gray), Poppy Roe (Jeanne Fourmentier), Jeffrey Hamer (Colonel Barclay), Stephen Boxer (Rene Azaire), Olivia Bernstone (Lisette Azaire), Samuel Martin (Evans), Max Bowden (Private Tipper), Christopher Harper (Levi), James Findlay (Cartwright) and Tony Green (Military Policeman).

It will be available from Wednesday 1 July 7.00pm BST to Saturday 4 July 11.59pm here, with tickets available now.