Birdsong

Set Just before the Battle of the Somme during the first world war, we see what life was like in the trenches and a love affair which happened before the war broke out in the year 1910 and what happens after the battle in 1916 being told in a series of flashbacks. The play follows several characters through this conflict.

Dexter Whitehead and Robbie Newton played the central characters of Jack Firebrace and Stephen Wraysford with such care and attention to detail that you could be in the tunnels with them. We learn through Jack writing to his wife Margaret that his son is ill and eventually passes away. Giles Whorton played 15 year old Tipper, the young man who signs up under age and looses his life in the battle. Jayne Lunn played Isabelle Azaire the married lady that Stephen falls in love with. A very convincing role. Andrew Tomlinson plays her husband Rene, the man with a hint of cruelty towards his wife and children.

With a cast of twenty the main principals were well supported. Every member of the cast is totally believable

Director Emily Armstrong has done a fine job with this production, pulling out all the stops. The set was just outstanding with tunnels, trenches and also an office and Isabelle's lounge. I don't know how they got it all on the stage.

A Convincing first class drama.

 

 

 

     

 

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