Contact Information:
The Mystery Reviewer
If you would like a review of your venue, event, restaurant or something else,
please contact The Mystery Reviewer on the address below.
REVIEW: Birdsong at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Tonight, we went to see Birdsong, a three-part epic about love and loss. The story revolves around Stephen Wraysford and his journey as he is captured by his love for Isabella and a heartache that is strong enough to carry him through the atrocities of the first world war. He doesn’t walk alone as he is accompanied by a talented ensemble of endearing souls that have their own tale to tell.
Based on a book by Sebastian Faulks, this theatre adaptation composed by Rachel Wagstaff, transforms narratives and monologues into a brief snapshot of lives lived and lost. The powerful performances and visual storytelling draw you in from the beginning and hold you captive, filling you with a plethora of emotions which ramp up and culminate with the brutal reality of the trenches. The story then takes you gradually back to an even level; leaving you sober and more able to digest what has taken place.
Adding to the production, the set design, although minimal, is extremely effective. It easily transforms from stately home to factory and from water garden to trenches. The lighting, sound and smoke adds to this and creates visceral experiences for viewers.
The performers elevate the storyline, delivering a poignant portrayal of all characters involved and effectively showcasing the erosion of pre-war innocence and strength of character and the resulting souls who are laid bare and vulnerable for all to see.
If you go to see Birdsong, be prepared to laugh joyfully at the innocence, embrace the awkwardness of romantic passion, and perhaps cry, like I did, at the inhumanity of conflict. You should be aware that there is nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and plenty of smoke and loud noises. Please do not be dissuaded by the presence of these themes, as they are delivered with purpose and with grace. The story, although slightly different, is relevant to today and is an important reminder of the sacrifices that are made in times of conflict and thereafter, when the visible and invisible scars still run deep. For all characters involved, their backstories serve a counterpoint to the war, highlighting how a human connection is pivotal to survival in dark times.
From a personal perspective, I have often wondered what war would be like, as my grandfather was a Sergeant Major in World War Two. My mother has often told me stories about how he was after serving. Much like the main character, Stephen Wraysford, my grandfather was also irrevocably changed by the horrors of war. This production certainly brings what it was like to life. Indeed, it does so in a way that compares to some of the great cinematic offerings and may trump some due to its ability to combine the beauty of love and intimacy, alongside the horror and impersonal nature of war.
Overall, Birdsong is a must-see for those who enjoy exploring the human condition and being left with a thought-provoking insight into war and life. I thought it was a superb performance which was equally atmospheric, sombre and enthralling.
Birdsong is playing at the Everyman Theatre until Saturday 26th October 2024.
Review by Julia
The Mystery Reviewer
See all listings from The Mystery Reviewer
Newsletter
To sign up up for www.glos.info weekly newsletter, please click here.
Please mention www.glos.info when contacting this advertiser.
