Marking the 100th anniversary of World War 1, ‘Birdsong’ at Crewe Lyceum is an incredibly poignant and touching production, writes Claire Faulkner.
Adapted from Sebastian Faulks’ novel by Rachel Wagstaff, the play tells the story of ‘Stephen’, a young English solider and his continuous search for ‘Isabelle’, the love of his life.
‘Birdsong’ is not the easiest play to watch, and this is one of the main reasons we should engage with the production and watch it.
From the very beginning the audience are drawn in to face and experience the horrors of war alongside the main characters.
The set and lighting design is incredible and the performances from the cast are both dramatic and emotional.
The entire cast was seemingly faultless. ‘Stephen’ was played by Edmund Wiseman, and ‘Isabelle’ by Emily Bowker.
For me, the two outstanding performers were Peter Duncan as ‘Jack’ and Liam McCormick as ‘Arthur’.
Both gave strong and emotional performances throughout, highlighting the reality of war which soldiers had to endure and live through.
‘Birdsong’ is possibly one of the most dramatic pieces of theatre I’ve seen at the Lyceum for a very long time.
Good theatre production has the ability to completely transport the audience into a different time, and ‘Birdsong’ definitely achieves this.
‘Birdsong’ is showing at Crewe Lyceum until Saturday June 20.
Yes it was stunningly good, would have loved to see it again very moving.