Theatre Review: Birdsong at the Birmingham Rep
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2025 Touring Production of ‘Birdsong’ at the Birmingham Rep
Our first theatre visit of 2025 is to the Birmingham Rep to watch the critically acclaimed and mesmerising Birdsong. Although technically its our second as I had accidentally turned up the week before after getting the date wrong. Whoops.
This captivating adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff, directed by Alastair Whatley, celebrates the 30th anniversary of Sebastian Faulks’ epic romance and war novel of the same name. The book is a complex 500+ pages, covering seventy years. How can this be distilled down to a few hours on stage?
Somehow this production manages to retain the key themes of the book – the complexity of human relationships, the psychological toll of war, the strength of the human spirit – without losing any of the emotional punch. And at almost three hours long – with two intervals – it’s a mammoth undertaking, perfectly executed.
There is nothing more sir, than to love and be loved.
Each of the three acts covers a separate period of protagonist Stephen Wraysford’s life. The first two acts end with a striking climax; at the end of Act II in particular I’m glad for the short break to collect myself. There’s a contemporary tale running through too, which provides context; an Englishman who has travelled to France to unravel the story of his great-grandfather and his lost love.
The show opens in Amiens, France, in 1910, and sets the scene with atmospheric lighting and the sound of birdsong. We meet Stephen (James Esler), a young Englishman in France to observe and study textile manufacturing. He boards with the Azaire family; René Azaire (Sargon Yelda) runs a textile factory, but it soon becomes clear that René is a cruel employer, and a controlling and abusive husband. Stephen finds himself captivated by René’s wife Isabelle (Charlie Russell) and they embark on a passionate affair. This act does contain nudity and scenes of a sexual nature which earn the show an age guidance of 15+
I loved a woman once, and she loved me.
Act One explores themes of forbidden love and betrayal against the backdrop of a country on the brink of war. In Act Two however we are plunged into the trenches of the Somme. We meet Jack Firebrace (Max Bowden) and his fellow “Sappers”, depicting the horror – and sometimes humour – of life in the trenches. The final Act sees Stephen wounded, physically, mentally and emotionally, desperately seeking Isabelle. Both have been greatly changed by the tragedy of war, and the impact is devastating.
Esler is an endearing and charming Stephen, and it is hard to imagine that Birdsong is his first professional stage role. Russell gives Isabelle great depth as she escapes her toxic marriage for moments of romance. Sargon Yelda exudes subtle menace as Rene Azaire; later on he also makes an appearance as the wise Captain Gray, this time with a Scottish accent. Max Bowden steals the show though throughout Acts 2 and 3 as Jack Firebrace. The Somme is a long way from Albert Square for this former Ben Mitchell. His camaraderie with his men, and in particular with Arthur Shaw (played by Tama Phethean), is poignant and heartwarming.
The relationships between the principal characters are depicted beautifully thanks to this talented cast. Stephen’s desire for Isabelle. Jack’s love for his young son John. The brotherhood forged out of tragedy in the trenches. And Jeanne’s (Natalie Radmall-Quirke) devotion to her sister Isabel.
I saw the great void in your soul, and you saw mine
Birdsong is certainly not a musical, but it uses music and song in an impactful and reflective way throughout. A particularly moving highlight is the scene where the sappers and soldiers are reading their final letters to be sent back home as they prepare to go “over the top” at the Somme. There are spectacular lilting vocals throughout from James Findlay as Brennan (he is also the musical director for this production).
Richard Kent’s imaginative set design is minimalistic but versatile; a single panel raises and falls to give a terrifying sense of claustrophobia during the underground scenes. The design allows all the focus to firmly lie on the talented actors. Lighting designer Jason Taylor and sound designer Dominic Bilkey have created a truly immersive experience, transporting the audience into wartime horror. Some of the explosions seem to shake the entire auditorium, leaving us all a little unsettled.
Birdsong is more than an intense wartime love story. It’s a collection of moving vignettes, cleverly woven together over three acts. This production is an emotional rollercoaster, poignant and hard-hitting.
Tickets are no longer available for this event
Production images by Pamela Raith
