Birdsong at The Wyvern

Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks

Wyvern Theatre

01 - 05 July 2014

Thursday & Saturday matinees

Marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks.

 

Review of Birdsong

by Kelly Jobanputra

 

Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong

Having never read the world famous book or known anyone who has seen the stage version of Birdsong, I didn’t know what to expect but the first night of this show’s run at the Wyvern Theatre was without a doubt outstanding and left me feeling rather emotional.

 

This superbly crafted production is set both before and during the Great War and follows a young Englishman called Stephen Wraysford as he falls in love with and starts a passionate affair with the beautiful but married Isabelle Azaire. The consequences are dangerous and this story doesn’t have a happy ending but don’t let that put you off because this powerful show won’t disappoint you.

 

As soon as the performance started, the audience appeared gripped by the dialogue and stunning set and their attention was held throughout the whole production.

 

Stephen has the unenviable task of having to lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and also through the dark, underground tunnels. Despite the horrific circumstances around him, Stephen keeps having flashbacks to his ill-fated love affair with Isabelle.

 

But it’s not all doom and gloom, the performance has a sprinkling of humorous lines and the Welsh character Evans, played by Samuel Martin, is definitely one to watch out for.

 

Every single one of the performers, which includes former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan and Hollyoaks’ Johnny Clark, were remarkable in their believable acting. They carried on despite the heat that was generated in the theatre as the evening went on and made light of it at the end of the show by saying: “Tonight you got to experience the real heat of the tunnels!”

 

 

This production is following on from last year’s National tour, which was seen by over 75,000 people. Whilst it is running at the Wyvern, the last show being on Saturday the 5th of July, there is also a free war exhibition in the downstairs foyer.

 

This is a highly compelling and moving piece of theatre, which is marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The fact that it‘s also supporting the Help for Heroes charity really is an added bonus and makes this a must see experience.

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

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 underground.

 

Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him. A mesmerising story of love and courage, set both before and during the Great War.

 

Performed by a large ensemble company including Olivier nominated actor and former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan and Hollyoaks’ Jonny Clarke.

 

Following on from last year’s National tour, seen by over 75,000 people, now it is your chance to experience this stunning piece of theatre live on stage at the Wyvern.

 

For more information, please visit Wyvern Theatre's website via the link below.