Review: BIRDSONG, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

As the centenary of the armistice of the First World War approaches, there is no better time for Sebastian Faulks's Birdsong to be revived once again in its staged adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff.

Contrary to Faulks's original novel, this adaptation covers a relatively short period of time - between 1916 and 1918. The original offers depth across decades and generations; Wagstaff's production fails to accurately portray the enormity of a legacy of the Great War, or complete the story arc that Faulks crafted.

Despite the wealth of material that the source texts offers, the plot struggles to rise to anything more than a TV soap script. It is altogether rather more suited to early evening television than a professionally staged touring play.

Whilst there is an undeniable ability to move an audience in tales of war, love and loss, sadly Birdsong simply doesn't hit the mark. Without exception, the cast fail to deliver convincing accents - to the detriment of the piece.

A clear command of dialects would allow the audience to appreciate the production's set, lighting and costume as complementary to those performing. Rather, we come to rely on these sensory aids to understand what is actually happening.

Victoria Spearing's set - on the contrary - is vast and adaptable. Towering stone cloisters become weatherbeaten trenches that become enveloping, oppressive underground tunnels. Set and props move with military precision, without detracting from the onstage drama, which is particularly impressive for larger pieces of kit.

Spearing's set has an incredible ability to mirror the mood on stage and is able to be as imposing as it is discreet. Coupled with Alex Wardle's lighting, Birdsong is a real visual spectacle. This cannot, however, totally absolve the production of its faults.

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.

Birdsong at Theatre Royal Glasgow until 2 June, then continues on tour

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