When it comes to must-see shows making their way to a London stage, “Birdsong” must rank up there amongst the best. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Sebastian Faulks, it is being directed by the acclaimed Trevor Nunn, who will be hoping to maintain the level of quality found on the page as it makes its way to the stage.
It will be calling the Comedy Theatre its home from September 2010, with Nunn directing Ben Barnes amongst others as the soldier caught up in the battle and whose love for a woman he met years earlier seeks to keep him alive.
Barnes is a recognisable actor whose screen roles have been the latest additions of a career that has also included work for the National Theatre and more. He has appeared in two movies from “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, beginning with “Prince Caspian” and progressing with the upcoming “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, whilst his other roles have included “Stardust” from director Matthew Vaughn and “Dorian Gray” from director Oliver Parker. His previous stage roles include an appearance in “The History Boys” during its stay at the National Theatre, in addition to musical roles he embarked on earlier in his career.
For Birdsong he will portray a man who finds himself in France on two separate occasions and for different reasons, with the love of a woman providing a common theme. On the first of these occasions it is in the period before the First World War has broken out and he is staying as the guest of a factory owner, whose wife Isabella is the object of his affections. The two embark on a passionate romance that has a dramatic effect on them both and when he returns to France years later for the war, it is a romance that keeps his hopes alive. The original novel also follows various other characters in different settings, including a woman looking back at the war many years later.
Sebastian Faulks penned “Birdsong” for release in 1993 and followed “The Girl at the Lion d’Or” in a trilogy of work that culminated with “Charlotte Gray”. He is an acclaimed novelist who has earned great praise for works that also include “Human Traces” and “A Week in December”.
Birdsong makes its appearance at the Comedy Theatre from Tuesday 28th September 2010 (previews from Saturday 18th September 2010) until Saturday 15th January 2011.
Venue Information
Venue
Comedy Theatre
Panton Street
London
SW1Y 4DN
Travel
Underground: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly/Bakerloo lines) - From Piccadilly Circus head south down Haymarket. Panton Street is left from Haymarket opposite the Virgin Cinema.
Rail: Charing Cross - Take Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus.
Parking: MasterPark Whitcomb Street. NCP Denman Street. Parking in central London can be difficult and expensive. Please use public transport when possible.
Access
Wheelchairs: Entrance through a side exit on Oxenden Street. Wheelchair spaces and transfer seating available. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a non-wheelchair using companion.
Hearing Impaired: nfrared headsets from box office. Identity (driving license/credit card) will be needed. Please call 0870 906 3838 for further details.
