This Is London 25 June 2020

12
Online
BIRDSONG ADAPTATION TO BE
STREAMED ONLINE
A fully cast, abridged virtual
production of Rachel Wagstaff’s highly
acclaimed adaptation of Sebastian
Faulks’s best-selling novel Birdsong,
will be streamed online on 1 July, the
anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
Told using video technology, live
performance, sound design and music,
all weaved together to create a unique
portrayal of one of the greatest love
stories in modern literature, the cast will
be in full costume, with digitally
designed scenes and lighting, making
this the most ambitious online
production yet.
The performance will be introduced
and narrated by Sebastian Faulks, with a
special reading by him from his novel
during the interval. The show will be
released online at 19.00 on
1 July and will then be available for a
further 72 hours.
Birdsong tells a mesmerising story of
love and courage, before and during the
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 worlds upside down. As
the war breaks out, Stephen must lead
his men through the carnage of the
Battle of the Somme and through the
sprawling tunnels that lie deep
underground beneath the battle fields.
Faced with the unprecedented horror of
the war, Stephen clings to the memory of
Isabelle and the idyll of his former life as
his world explodes around him.
The virtual production is taking place
in association with The Royal British
Legion, who have, for nearly 100 years,
helped all those who have served, or are
serving, in the British Armed Forces and
their families. Their work is as vital
today as it was back in 1921, when they
helped those suffering from the
aftermath of the First World War.
For more information, visit the website
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Sebastian Faulks said of the virtual
production, ‘This is a great initiative
from The Original Theatre Company and
technically very ambitious. The
adaptation of novel to play continues to
evolve and I’m confident it has reached
its best incarnation yet. Some of the best
actors in its long life have signed up.
Should be enormous fun.’
RUTHIE HENSHALL IN MY LIFE
UK audiences will finally have a
chance to enjoy Ruthie Henshall’s new
intimate show In My Life next year, as
new dates have been released for the
exclusive four-city tour.
In My Life premiered at the Sydney
Opera House in June 2019 and went on
to tour Australia playing to packed
houses and a slew of five-star, rave
reviews. This new intimate show is a
rare opportunity to see this dazzling star
up close and personal, reinterpreting
highlights from her acclaimed career as
well as exploring the work of other
famous artists from Stephen Sondheim
and Carole King to Victoria Wood and
The Beatles.
Ruthie Henshall said, ‘When theatre
opens again, I will literally dance in the
street! It’s so sad because when things
are scary and sad, the theatre is always a
pick-me-up and we have not been able
to do that. The theatre opening again is
something I can’t wait for. It is my
breath. To perform and to watch, it gives
me something nothing else does.’
www.ruthiehenshall.com
Photo: Michael Warley.
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