Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong to visit Theatre Royal Nottingham from October 15 to 19

An epic story of love and loss will be told as Birdsong returns to the stage in a brand-new production, marking the 30th anniversary of Sebastian Faulks’s international best-selling novel.

The production will visit the Theatre Royal Nottingham from Tuesday, October 15 to Saturday, October 19.

The critically acclaimed show, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Alastair Whatley, tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down.

As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground.

Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

Joining the cast will be award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the roles of Ben Mitchell in EastEnders and Justin Fitzgerald in Waterloo Road, who will star as Jack Firebrace.

Max said: “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart.

“Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can’t wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.”

Alastair Whatley, director of Birdsong and artistic director of Original Theatre, said “Max joined us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now the best part of a decade later returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace.

“I cannot wait to get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian’s most unforgettable characters.”

The show is presented by Original Theatre, the company behind the smash hit productions of The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie, Murder in the Dark, The Habit of Art and The Interview and Joshua Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of JAS Theatricals, whose current projects include Hadestown in the West End and a major UK tour of Cluedo 2.

The producers are also working in partnership with the Royal British Legion.