A brand-new adaptation of Birdsong comes to The Quarry Theatre where Leo Owen caught the show

Playwright, Rachel Wagstaff, taking on Sebastian Faulks’ novel as a project is undoubtedly ambitious as it’s epic in scope in terms of locations, characters, interweaving narratives and time scale. It’s perhaps no wonder then that it has been eighteen years in the making and perfecting, having gone through various iterations, developed alongside Faulks. The result is a remarkable standalone production for Faulks’ fans and newcomers to the story.

Focusing on the protagonist Stephen Wraysford’s (James Esler) life before and after the first world war, it’s a family saga, exploring the ill-fated love affair he has with Isabelle (Charlie Russell), while visiting France for work. Director Alastair Whatley’s notable sex montage includes nudity, perhaps causing the age rating of the production to have been raised.

Wagstaff’s adaptation is structured in three acts with the first very distinctly covering the lead up to the war and significantly contrasting to the two that follow. Isabelle’s strained marriage is clearly depicted, alongside the struggles the factory workers face but a carefree occasionally frivolous mood dominates, very much overshadowed by the despair and disillusionment felt once the war breaks out.

Designer Richard Kent’s simple set gradually transforms as the action unfolds, becoming more stripped back like the characters’ lives while Jason Taylor’s lighting darkens to match the mood. From Act Two there are especially touching conversations between two of the tunnelers Stephen encounters, Jack (Max Bowden of EastEnder’s fame) and Arthur (Tama Phethean). Another powerful standout scene shows the men preparing to go into battle writing letters home accompanied by amplified breathing sounds in the moments before they go over the top. Wagstaff, through Faulks, ensures the hypocrisy of war is fully exposed, depicting suicide, under age soldiers, miscommunications and life obliterating blunders. A final dual narration from Stephen and a German officer is particularly poignant.

Although lengthy, Birdsong is impressive in its pace. Sombre, moving and spellbinding viewing, it’s likely to illicit goose bumps and rivet even the most blurry-eyed viewer - a real triumph for all involved!

Birdsong shows at Leeds Playhouse 17th-21st September before continuing its tour: https://www.birdsongplay.com/