Epic war drama with a star cast at Coventry’s Belgrade

WARWICKSHIRE-born ‘Allo, ‘Allo actor Arthur Bostrom takes on a very different role in a new stage adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong, which arrives at the Belgrade in Coventry this week.

Written by Rachel Wagstaff, the production is set in pre-war France and focuses on young Englishman Stephen Wraysford, who embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their worlds 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.

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

The cast also includes Sarah Jayne Dunn, known for her role as Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks, Charlie G Hawkins, who played Darren Miller in EastEnders, Tim Van Eyken, who appeared in War Horse and newcomer Jonathan Smith as Stephen Wraysford.

Performances take place from Tuesday to Saturday February 2 at 7.45pm, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets, which cost from £8.50 to £20, can be booked by calling 024 7655 3055 or by visiting the website, where cheaper prices are available.