‘What Are We Fighting For?…’ Birdsong, The Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 01.05.2018

I was back at the Churchill Theatre for tonight’s opening night of this weeks performance of Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff. I for one have not had the chance to read the well known novel, but I was looking forward to seeing it live.

This year marks 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One, Birdsong is an beautiful production to help remember this time. Taking place on the Western Front, France during the years 1916 – 1918. It follows Captain Stephen Wraysford through the horrific truths of the war, but also takes us back to Amiens, France in 1910 as he delves his past. A love story between himself and Isabelle. We also have a glimpse of what life was like for the soldiers in the war, including Jack and those who worked and dug the mines under No Mans Land.

There is no denying that this production is an strong compelling play, displaying full emotion from the very start of views of the war through soldiers eyes. It draws the audience into the trenches, which was clearly displayed through the many jumps caused by the bomb sound effects that reflect that of what it would have felt like in the real life! Directors Alastair Whatley and Charlotte Peters has made this play true within every line, ensuring every character develops throughout the show. You take on board every emotion that at times could be uncomfortable, but at the same time unforgettable to those who have seen it. This also was assisted well by the stage design, created by Victoria Spearing, with limited scene changes and at times the support of props and furniture created the different placed within the story and although in the background the trenches stayed, with the powerful acting and lighting effects done by Alex Wardle you were transported to that very place and time.

The cast tonight were as follows:

Jack Firebrace – Tim Trelor

Stephen Wraysford – Tom Kay

Isabelle Azaire – Madeleine Knight

Lisette/Prostitute – Olivia Bernstone

Marguerite – Alice Brittain

Tipper/Gregoire – Alfie Browne- Skyes

Rene Azaire/Captain Gray – Martin Carroll

Evans/Levi – Riley Carter

Cartwright/Musician – James Findlay

Jeanne Fourmentier/Nurse – Liz Garland

Berard/Barclay – Jeffrey Harmer

Arthur Shaw – Simon Lloyd

Tom Kay portrays a powerful Stephen Wraysford, although at first he is seen as a strong and hard headed, the audience slowly soften to him as we see the emotion displayed within his past that Tom really excelled at. His relationship with Isabelle played by the very talented Madeline knight, is clearly displayed from the moment they meet! Madeline also showing clearly her thoughts and feelings through each scene, which reflected onto the audience.

Tim Treloar embarks on the father figure role of Jack, he was truly mesmerising to watch and clearly understood his role and character. A father parted from his family he seeks comfort in his fellow men to help fill the void. One of those was Tipper, played by newcomer to stage Alfie Browne -Sykes, known for his role in ‘Hollyoaks’ Alfie adapts to the stage well as the young solider who although wished to fight for his county is clearly terrified of the horrors of the war – something many of the men would have felt at some point.

The rest of the company held the production, showing they had clearly understood their characters, also ensuring those who were two roles had a clear separation within them both. I particularly enjoyed the many folk songs sung by the warming voice of James Findlay. Although it was a upsetting time, his voice brings comfort across the audience.

Birdsong is a strong powerful production, that stays with you when you leave the theatre. Its a fantastic production that allows you to respect those who fought for our country – even at the time they may not have known exactly why they were. This is a must see production, that for all theatre lovers and history enthusiast will cherish. I know I will.

Playing at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley till Saturday 5th May catch it while you can. For all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its UK tour, for all dates and information go here.