The full cast has been announced for the West End stage version of Sebastian Faulks's best-selling novel Birdsong, written by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Trevor Nunn.
Alongside
Ben Barnes, who plays Stephen Wraysford, will be Nicholas Farrell (Chariots of Fire, Stuff Happens), Iain Mitchell (La Cage Aux Folles, Edmond),
Genevieve O'Reilly (Spooks, The Weir), Lee Ross (Eastenders, The
Catherine Tate Show) and Zoe Waites (Mrs Klein, The Other Boleyn Girl).
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 haunting 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.
Ben Barnes's (Stephen Wraysford) film credits include Stardust, Easy Virtue, Prince Caspian in the Chronicles of Narnia films and the title role in Dorian Gray. His latest film projects include Locked In and Killing Bono both to be released early next year. His stage credits include Sex, Chips & Rock'n'Roll (Royal Exchange, Manchester), Loving Ophelia (Pleasance, London) and The History Boys (No 1 UK Tour & Wyndham's).
Nicholas Farrell (René Azaire) made his film debut as Aubrey Montague in Chariots of Fire. He has had a long and varied career on stage and screen, playing
Tony Blair in
David Hare's Stuff Happens (
National Theatre) as well as several other roles for the RSC (including the role of Horatio in
Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet, and later in the film version), as well as performances at the Old Vic, the Royal Court and the West End. His film credits include Amazing Grace, Bloody Sunday, Charlotte Gray, and Pearl Harbour, while his television credits include Torchwood, Persuasion, Spooks and Jewel in the Crown.
Iain Mitchell's (Bérard) most recent stage appearance was in La Cage Aux Folles (
Menier Chocolate Factory/West End). He has made countless appearances on the
National Theatre stage, in such shows as Stuff Happens (as
Jack Straw), His Dark Materials, Edmond, Mother Clapp's Molly House, The Invention of Love and The Madness of George III. His film credits include The Other Boleyn Girl and The History Boys, while his television credits include Prime Suspect 7, Poirot and Trial & Retribution.
Genevieve O'Reilly (Isabelle) is perhaps most well-known for her role as regular character Sarah Caulfield in the BBC television series Spooks, as well as film credits including Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of The Sith, The Matrix Revolutions and The Matrix Reloaded. Her theatre credits include The Weir (
Gate Theatre, Dublin) and Richard II (Old Vic).
Lee Ross (Jack Firebrace) made his stage debut in
Mickey Dolenz' West End staging of Bugsy Malone. He played Owen Turner in Eastenders for two stretches in 2006 and 2009. He was a regular on The
Catherine Tate Show, as well as the television series Ashes to Ashes and Life on Mars. His stage credits include The Neighbour (
National Theatre) and Whipping it Up (West End transfer) as well as the world premieres of Some Voices and Country Music (both
Royal Court Theatre).
Zoe Waites (Jeanne) recently appeared in
Thea Sharrock's acclaimed production of Mrs Klein (Almeida), in
Adrian Noble's Hedda Gabler (Theatre Royal Bath) and the 2008 revival of Nicholas Nickleby (West End / UK Tour). She has also played several roles for the RSC, and has twice been shortlisted for the
Ian Charleson Award, given for an Outstanding Performance by a young actor.
Full cast:
Ben Barnes, Nicholas Farrell, Iain Mitchell,
Genevieve O'Reilly, Lee Ross, Zoe Waites,
Owain Arthur,
Billy Carter, Florence Hall,
Paul Hawkyard,
Gregg Lowe,
Joe Coen,
Jack Hawkins,
James Staddon and Annabel Topham.
For more information, visit www.birdsongtheplay.co.uk
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