Send in the Clowns! Birdsong finished at Comedy Theatre on January 15, 2011

Birdsong

Birdsong at Comedy Theatre

Send in the Clowns! Birdsong finished at Comedy Theatre on January 15, 2011

Why see Birdsong?

While staying as the guest of a factory owner in pre-First World War France, Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate affair with Isabelle, the wife of his host. The affair changes them both for ever.

A few years later Stephen finds himself back in the same part of France, but this time as a soldier at the Battle of the Somme, the bloodiest encounter in British military history. As his men die around him, Stephen turns to his enduring love for Isabelle for the strength to continue and to save something for future generations.

For the first time, this beautiful and terrible story about love, courage and the endurance of the human spirit is brought to the stage in a version by Rachel Wagstaff.

The world premiere of this production is directed by Trevor Nunn.

Christmas Schedule

Week commencing 20th December:
Mon - Thu 7.30, Thu and Fri 2.30

Week commencing 27th December:
Mon - Thu and Sat 7.30, Thu and Fri 2.30

Key Information

Audience

Birdsong is suitable for audiences aged 12 an upwards.

Dates

Finished 15 Jan 2011

Cast

Ben Barnes as Stephen Wraysford
Genevieve O’Reilly as Isabelle
Nicholas Farrell as René Azaire
Iain Mitchell as Bérard
Lee Ross as Jack Firebrace
Zoe Waites as Jeanne
Owain Arthur as Private Evans
Billy Carter as Private Brenann / Lucien Lebrun
Florence Hall as Lizette / Prostitute
Paul Hawkyard as Arthur Shaw
Gregg Lowe as Private Tipper / Lieutenant Ellis
Joe Coen as Private Coker / German / Worker / Johnson
Jack Hawkins as Private Adams / Military Policeman / Private Levi
James Staddon as Private Douglas / German / Orderly / Worker / Cartwright
Annabel Topham as Marguerite / Nurse

Creative

Author: Sebastian Faulks, in a new version by Rachel Wagstaff
Director: Trevor Nunn
Design: John Napier
Costumes: Emma Williams
Lighting: David Howe
Projection: John Driscoll & Gemma Carrington
Music: Steven Edis
Sound: Fergus O'Hare

Reviews

Customer reviews

9 reviews, average rating: (3.1 Stars)

Alison Spicer

Excellent adaptation of much loved novel!

Saw the play on the opening night. I loved the book and I thought that the adaptation was brilliant and really caught the spirit of the stultifying bourgeois society in Amiens, and the terrifying claustrophobia of the trenches and the tunnels. The casting was excellent, with Ben Barnes superb as Stephen Wraysford. I would also single out Lee Ross as a heartwrenchingly lovable Jack Firebrace. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Ann

Most moving evening

I found this to be a most moving production with some wonderful acting. I am hoping to see it again before it finishes. Ben Barnes was superbly cast. ... Read more

JC

Excellent production

A most impressive interpretation of the book. Casting was inspired with Ben Barnes a convincing Stephen Wraysford and Lee Ross as Jack Firebrace. The visit was a belated birthday present and after reading some of the earlier reviews I was somewhat apprehensive but these were quickly dispelled. My only criticism was the latter "5 minute interlude" where a roll call of the victims of the WW1 was running. The audience weren't too sure how to react to this, i.e. was it an interlude or should they sit quietly? Nonetheless excellent direction, and scene changes and a great performance by all the cast. ... Read more
All your reviews

NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE

"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"

SHARE THE LOVE