EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: THE TRENCH, Pleasance Courtyard, August 14 2013

The horror of the first world war is the inspiration for Les Enfants Terribles' latest production THE TRENCH by Oliver Lansley. Puppets, projections and live music combine to produce a powerful poetic exploration of the futility of conflict.

Bert (Ben Warwick) is a miner desperate to help in the war, and despite a weak heart is eventually taken on after all the stronger boys have perished. Leaving his pregnant wife at home, he is commissioned to dig under enemy trenches to drop mines. He soon finds himself in an epic battle for survival facing down demons and the tragic reality of war itself.

The story is told almost entirely in verse, with Bert and a chorus of soldiers given able support by singer, musican and sound designer Alexander Wolfe. His haunting melodies, almost Coldplayesque at times, complemented the action perfectly.

THE TRENCH is a beautiful piece of theatre, showing admirable ambition for a fringe production. An impressively adaptable set, designed by Sam Wyer, married beautifully with Paul Green's lighting to create a dramatic and dynamic visual feast. Even the camouflage/mud make-up is used to great effect, giving the soldiers an almost deathly appearance.

Puppetry is also used to great effect. Monsters and demons are created out of thin air, making it easy to forget that there were actors controlling the movements.

Perhaps the plot is a little predictable, its messages and metaphors are hardly subtle, but that would be picking holes. THE TRENCH is simply a delight to watch.

"THE TRENCE" runs at 1445 until August 26th (not 23rd) at Pleasance Courtyard.

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