Ben Barnes To Lead Nunn's BIRDSONG in West End this Fall

Ben Barnes, star of films The Chronicles of Narnia, Dorian Gray and Bigga Than Ben, will play Stephen Wraysford in the West End stage version of Sebastian Faulks's best-selling novel Birdsong, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Trevor Nunn. Previews from 18 September 2010.

Ben Barnes's film credits include the role of Prince Caspian in two of the Chronicles of Narnia films - Prince Caspian and the soon to be released The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - as well the title role in Oliver Parker's Dorian Gray, and roles in Stardust and Easy Virtue. His latest film projects include Locked In and Killing Bono both released early next year. His stage credits include Sex, Chips & Rock'n'Roll (Royal Exchange, Manchester), Loving Ophelia (Pleasance, London) and The History Boys (West End, National Theatre).

Sebastian Faulks's 1993 novel is one of Britain's best-loved books. It has sold more than two million copies in the United Kingdom and more than three million worldwide; and still regularly appears in the best-seller lists.

The play tells the story of one man's journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War:

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 forever. 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, whose previous work has included The Soldier and Only The Brave. Wagstaff is a participant of Old Vic New Voices and her work has been performed at the annual 24 Hour Plays. She has previously adapted Faulks's The Girl at Lion d'Or for BBC Radio 4.

Further casting will be announced soon.

Box Office: 0844 871 2118.

For more information, visit www.birdsongtheplay.co.uk.

Photo Credit: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

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