Birdsong to Be Specially Staged in Costume and With Digital Scenic Design for Online Streaming on 1 July 2020 to Mark the 104th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
There will be a fully cast, abridged virtual production of Rachel Wagstaff’s highly acclaimed adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’s best-selling novel BIRDSONG, streamed online on 1 July 2020, 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 whole experience should last under two hours. The show will be released online via www.birdsongonline.co.uk at 7pm on 1 July and will then be available for a further 72 hours.
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 www.britishlegion.org.uk.
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 critically acclaimed Original Theatre Company and Birdsong Productions production toured between 2013 and 2018, receiving 4- and 5-star reviews, with audiences calling the show ‘simply stunning’. It was seen by over 250,000 people in over 75 theatres across the UK and in Ireland.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Online Performances:
Available from Wed 1 July 7:00pm to Sat 4 July 11:59pm via www.birdsongonline.co.uk
Ticket Prices (including a donation to The Royal British Legion):
Early bird – £10 – if booked before 15 June
Standard – £12.50
Premium – £15
Includes:
- A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong
Supporter – £25
Includes:
- Your name added as thanks on the credits
- A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong
Must be purchased per credited name and before 21 June
Benefactor – £100
Includes:
- A personalised and signed copy of Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
- Your name added as thanks on the credits
- A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong
Must be purchased per credited name and before 21 June
Executive Producer – £1000
Includes:
- An Executive Producer credit
- A personal thank you from our director
- A personalised and signed copy of Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
- A digital copy of the programme for Birdsong
Must be purchased per credited name and before 21 June
