Revels equally in the explosive and the meditative, as in the moving stillness at the conclusion of each act.
At times what happens on Victoria Spearing’s war-ravaged set is on the harrowing side of poignant, but it probably needs to be.
In truth, it is a fundamentally engaging piece of adaptation, with merit behind its messages. For lest we forget (again), that what is war but hell?
Not alone in its grand, 100th anniversary, national tour, Birdsong may not stand up to the feat that is National Theatre’s WarHorse, yet it reminds us of the history that has been written before us and how we can write a different story next time - lest we forget.
The story is one of tragedy and its message of peace cannot be argued against. However, as the centenary of the Great War Armistice approaches, the space for a fitting theatrical tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice remains void.
A play about the horrors of war is always a hard sell, and while this reviewer remains to be convinced by the structural changes in this newest production, in focussing on the human beings behind the gunfire, it makes for a gripping, timely and ultimately moving story that deserves to be seen.
King's Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday May 8, 2018, until Saturday May 12, 2018. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/kings
Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Tuesday May 29, 2018, until Saturday June 2, 2018. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/
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