The sweet sound of Birdsong

‘Birdsong’ is the play based on the novel with the same name by Sebastian Faulks, adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Trevor Nunn. The story follows Stephen, a young Englishman, as he goes to France in 1910 on business only to fall in love with his business partner’s wife, Isabelle. Isabelle and Stephen begin a love affair, but as always life gets in the way. By the second act World War One is raging, and Stephen is a soldier on the western front.

Actor Ben Barnes is impressive as Stephen. Barnes, know perhaps mostly for his work in the Narnia-films, may seem out of place at first but he carries the role well. The first act is heavily dependent on several monologues by Barnes, which he conducts brilliantly. His transformation as the play progresses from infatuated boy to traumatized soldier is intensely convincing.

Genevieve O’Rielly joins Barnes in the lead as the wife Isabelle. O’Rielly exudes frailty as she portrays a woman torn between love and duty. She delivers the lines beautifully, but at times lacks realism in her emotions.

Also, O’Rielly is frequently overshadowed by the scene-stealing presence of Florence Hall as the daughter Lisette. Hall embodies the youthfulness of her character so honestly that there is no competition. Even the dynamic between Hall and Barnes is by far more interesting than that between Barnes and O’Reilly.

The staging leaves a lasting impression, and this is a great example of effective use of multimedia in the theatre. The actors are complemented by the audio-visuals, rather than overshadowed by them. A huge video screen helps convincingly take the audience from pastoral France before the war to the trenches of the western front during the war.

The final two acts of this three-hour play feel like a staged version of the war poetry of Wilfred Owen or Siegfried Sassoon. The first act was beautifully idyllic, but the play finds its strength in the portrayal of life in the trenches.  The most memorable scene of the play is when Barnes is about to lead his men over the top for an assault on the German lines.

‘Birdsong’ will leave you stunned by the marvellous ensemble cast, the remarkable staging and especially by the powerful story. This is not a play for those looking for a fun night out in the West End. Birdsong leaves you with haunting images of war and tragic love. It is an overwhelming theatrical experience, and it will stay with you after you leave the theatre.

‘Birdsong’ will be at the Comedy Theatre in the West End until January 2011.

Hillevi Gustafson