EMMA DUNN talks to Peter Duncan about WW1 drama

PERFORMING in Birdsong 100 years after the outbreak of the First World War is a moving experience for former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan.

The 1980s television star is touring in the new stage version of the Sebastian Faulks novel, which tells the story of a young Englishman during the war. It will be at the Wyvern Theatre from July 1 to July 5.

Peter said being part of the production meant a lot to him.

“We are telling a social history 100 years on, to bring it to life. Birdsong is more than a story, you’re talking about people’s lives,” said Peter.

“My generation have lived their years being grateful we never had to live years like these men did.

“I feel very lucky. If I had been born several generations earlier I would have been through two world wars.

“Birdsong has such a resonance with the audience. I am surprised how silent and reverent the audience are to the characters. They believe in the characters so quickly.

“You can hear a pin drop because the audience gets so emotional.”

The play tells the story of 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, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground.

Faced with unprecedented horrors of the war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle and the idyll of his former life, as his world explodes around him.

Peter, who is playing a character called Firebrace in Birdsong, joined Blue Peter in 1980 before going on to make Duncan Dares.

His stage career began in the 1970s, and he has also appeared in film and television dramas. And he is no stranger to Swindon, having appeared at the Wyvern in pantomime in 1987 and in a production of Erik The Viking in 1992.

The 2013 tour of Birdsong raised more than £50,000 for Help for Heroes, and it will continue to support the charity this year.

Tom Stimpson, who is an ambassador for Help for Heroes, suffered a head injury and severe concussion after falling during an indirect fire attack while he was serving in Basra.

In 2008, he served in Afghanistan, and since he returned he has been diagnosed with non-epileptic attack disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Tom, a father-of-three, said: “Help for Heroes has been incredible during my recovery.

“My battles may last a lifetime, and I only hope that the British public understand the difficulties faced by those with PTSD and continue to support this amazing charity.

“I went to see Birdsong last week and it was amazing. I just want to say to the nation please go and watch it because it will give you an insight into what life as a serviceman is like. They’ve got all the characters there and Peter Duncan is fantastic in what he does.”

George Banks will star as Stephen Wraysford, while former Hollyoaks star Jonny Clarke, who played Bart McQueen in the soap, will play Tipper.

“I am really proud of what we have achieved. It is brilliant to be in a play that brings the First World War to people’s attention in the centenary year,” he said.

Birdsong is at the Wyvern Theatre from July 1 to July 5. For tickets, which range from £12.50 to £21, visit swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.