PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 12th OCTOBER 2024
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
Sebastian Faulks’ sweeping tale of love and heartbreak is back on stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved novel. The highly praised show is making a comeback in a fresh production for 2024. Birdsong, based on Faulks’s novel, delves into the themes of love and the devastating experiences of World War I. The play beautifully weaves together ideas of memory, loss, and how the horrors of war affects human connections.
I have watched films, documentaries, and plays, as well as listened to accounts about being a soldier during times of war. However, I have never felt the impact of it as intensely as when I was sitting in the audience, at the beautiful Playhouse Theatre, last night. The narrative raises crucial themes of existentialism, the futility of war, the depths of the human psyche under extreme conditions, and ultimately our ability to endure and find hope.
The set designed by Richard Kent is simple yet very effective. It gradually transforms as the action unfolds, mirroring the characters increasingly stripped-back lives. This shift puts the focus squarely on the characters. Jason Taylor and Dominic Bilkey’s skilful use of lighting and sound also darkens to match the mood of the play.
Taking place in the trenches and the French countryside, the story revolves around Stephen Wraysford as he deals with both love and the harsh realities of war. The incorporation of flashbacks to showcase his pre-war relationship enriches the narrative, emphasising the striking difference between the peacefulness of love and the tumult of war.
It’s difficult to single out one specific performance because I was truly impressed by all the actors last night. The entire cast delivered an outstanding performance that grabbed my attention right from the beginning.
The duration of the performance is 3 hours, which includes 2 intervals. The show contains content warnings for loud noises, violence, suicide and scenes with sexual content and nudity, thus making it suitable for audiences aged 15 and above.
Birdsong is a beautifully crafted play that combines poetic writing with strong performances, creating a poignant tribute to those who endured one of history’s darkest periods. It is a must-see for anyone intrigued by history, depicting a heartfelt portrayal of a war that was meant to, but unfortunately did not, end all wars.