Birdsong is a family saga and novel that takes place before during and after the Great War written in 1993 by Sebastian Faulks. In 2009 Rachel Wagstaff adapted it as a play in three fifty-minute acts. The first is set in France in 1910 where Stephen Wraysford (James Esler) begins a passionate love affair with Isabelle Azaire (Charlie Russell), the wife of his employer who owns a textile factory. The second is set some years afterwards on the battlefield during trench warfare, where the Sappers are digging tunnels under the German lines and is very successful in bringing out the horrors and camaraderie of war. The third act picks up the pieces, as far as that is possible.
Whereas the shorter 2010 adaptation concentrated more on the relationship between Stephan and Isabelle, the expanded 2024 version enables the horrors of war on those involved to be shown in more detail, the play now running for three hours and ten minutes.
Richard Kent has designed a minimalist set using simple linear patterns and blocks which is especially effective when the troops go “over the top” in the Battle of the Somme.
However, what sets the design elements of this production on a very high level is the lighting of Jason Taylor. Not only does he always ensure that actors’ faces are always lit, but his evocative and inspired design has the effect of concentrating the audience’s attention on what the director (Alastair Whatley) intends, even though the set itself is expansive. In this way, we are able to imagine the confined spaces of the tunnels under the battlefield as well as the sunny days of Northern France. This is the most innovative lighting I have encountered in a long time – deserving of an award!
In addition, Dominic Bilkey’s sound is first-rate, the various noises of war, as well as birdsong, being exceedingly life-like, always at the right volume level and, again, imaginative, greatly aiding the imagination of those watching.
The ensemble cast of thirteen, playing many roles, all impress, especially James Esler as Wraysford who has the ability to understate his role in a very British fashion, especially in Act Two. His voice is easy on the ear but carries right up to the gallery where, at the performance I attended, there were several school groups listening attentively and in silence throughout. Charlie Russell is very believable as Isabelle as is Gracie Fellows as both Lisette and Emmeline, again with a very attractive and never over-projected manner of speaking. Joseph Benjamin Baker is effective as factory owner Rene, even if his role is slightly stereotyped and Max Bowden is particularly impressive in the role of Jack Firebrace, an ex-miner whose job it is to dig tunnels.
The novel, originally in seven sections and truly epic in scope, seems almost impossible to dramatize successfully, certainly in one evening, so much credit to Rachel Wagstaff for nearly achieving the impossible! Recommended!
Review by John Groves
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.
CAST
Max Bowden – Jack Firebrace
James Esler – Stephen Wraysford
Charlie Russell – Isabelle Azaire
Dave Fishley – Turner
Gracie Follows – Lisette
James Findlay – Brennan
Joseph Benjamin Baker – Evans/Levi
Natalie Radmall-Quirke – Jeanne
Raif Clarke – Tipper
Roger Ringrose – Bérard/Barclay
Sargon Yelda – René Azaire/Gray
Sulin Hasso – Marguerite
Tama Phethean – Shaw/LeBrun
CREATIVE
Writer – Sebastian Faulks
Adapter – Rachel Wagstaff
Director – Alastair Whatley
Designer – Richard Kent
Lighting Designer – Jason Taylor
Sound Designer – Dominic Bilkey
Composer – Sophie Cotton
Original Music Design – Tim van Eyken
Musical Director – James Findlay
Casting Director – Ellie Collyer-Bristow
Associate Director – Bethany West
Military Advisor – Tony Green
Props Supervisor – Katie Balmforth
Wigs Supervisor – Darren Ware
Dialect Coaches – Frankie Aaronovitch-Bruce and James Aitken
Fight & Intimacy Directors – Yarit Dor and Enric Ortuño
BIRDSONG
Birdsong live at Theatre Royal Brighton Tue 4 Feb – Sat 8 Feb 2025
Then continues on UK tour to 8 March 2025
