Love and the brutality of war are cruelly intertwined in this stage adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ novel.
The action differs slightly from the book’s original plot, but remains focused on Stephen Wraysford (played by James Eslen) – introduced to us as a young business emissary sent to inspect a factory in France, but seen later as a captain in the British Army in the trenches of the First World War.
In the first act he falls tragically in love with Isabelle (Charlie Russell), the factory owner’s wife, with the relationship leaving scars almost as deep as those from the war.
These domestic scenes benefit from Gracie Follow’s subtly girlish portrayal of Isabelle’s adopted daughter, and Natalie Radmall-Quirke as her mercurial sister Jeanne.
On the front he makes surprising bonds with tunnel digger Jack Firebrace (Max Bowden), who himself builds a strong friendship with fellow soldier Arthur Shaw (Tama Prethean).
This latter relationship is the play’s most convincing, with both Bowden and Prethean giving great performances and being given the time to explore and deepen it.
In contrast, the more central romance between Wraysford and Isabelle feels rushed despite Eslen and Russell’s best efforts. Rachel Wagstaff’s script and Alastair Whatley’s direction mostly keeps their scenes brief and cool – with the exception of one prolonged, and surprisingly explicit, sex scene.
Similarly Richard Kent’s design works well for the trenches and tunnels, but leaves the early scenes in rural France somewhat intangible – the actors drift on an open stage, and a hanging curtain that hovers over the centre acts more as a distraction than the intended dramatic device.
Faulks’ book is known for its brutal depiction of war and much of that cruelty is reflected here, with the camaraderie between the men punctuated by gritty realism of life at war.
Together the juxtaposition remains a strong one, reminding us of both how resilient and how wicked people can be. More than a century on the crime is not that we forget, but that we don’t seem to learn.
- Birdsong continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until 16 November 2024 and then touring nationally
