Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 23rd November 2024
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong is the stage adaptation of his novel of the same name. This 30th anniversary tour is the story of love and loss in the Great War’s long, dark shadow.
James Esler (playing Stephen Wraysford) gave us a sensational, world weary reading totally befitting a man who has lost, loved, lost and yearns for answers amongst the mud, blood and horrors of that pitiful conflict. I detect a major young talent here and was very impressed. Leading lady Charlie Russell (Isabelle Azaire) gave us a sensational performance that was sensitively delivered, displaying a side of her I hadn’t seen before. Already one of my favourite actresses from the “Goes Wrong” franchise, she has gone up in my estimation enormously after tonight’s epic performance. You could feel every anguished moment of her tortuous route negotiating love vs duty. All I can say is “wow”.
The rest of the cast were amazing too, with even the lesser roles cast to perfection. Tipper (Raif Clarke), for instance, was powerfully wrought, giving full vent to the loss of youthful innocence. Roger Ringrose (Bérard) was your a very realistic smarmy politician. Sargon Yelda (Rene Azaire, Isabelle’s husband) gave us a glimpse into a thankfully largely long gone chauvinistic era. Natalie Radmall-Quirke (Jeanne Fourmentier) had a gentle power that was palpable, adding a welcome softness to this tragic tale. I loved her performance.
Jack Firebrace (played to perfection by Max Bowden) was spectacularly well delivered. He truly gave us the full range of emotions in a veritable acting tour-de-force. With Tama Phethean (John, his best friend and he also played Lebrun and Shaw) – they were both an absolute joy to watch and deserve special mention!
The set was inventive; with a static portion cleverly utilised as the house, factory and battlefield with the addition of some scant set dressing. Ingenious – particularly the overhead piece which descended to give us the underground tunnels in all their claustrophobic glory. The costumes were gorgeous, particularly in the first half before the war with the ladies looking stunning in their creations!
Music was poignantly used too to great effect. The song just before going over the top and the one sung by Jack being particularly heart wrenching!
There’s some visceral scenes, especially in the trenches. Director Alastair Whatley didn’t hold back showing the realities of war in all it’s degradation, with full on barrages of artillery fire (so be warned if you jump easily).
A vital watch, a timely reminder (especially the ongoing stain on humanity that is Ukraine and Gaza) and a wake up call. Yes, all that, but also uplifting that the human spirit can overcome such insanity and evil to find love, peace and forgiveness. There’s plenty of humour to enjoy as well, with the Tommies letting off steam and releasing the tension over a few drinks. So, for all the darkness it has enough light to be an enjoyable evening out at the theatre.
This a work that deserves to be watched and supported and one I feel would get even better with repeat viewings. I have no hesitation to wholeheartedly recommend it.