EMMA DUNN looks ahead to a moving production of Birdsong

YOU can hear a pin drop during performances of Birdsong, according to former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan.

The 1980s television star is touring in the new stage version of Sebastian Faulks’ well-loved novel, which tells the story of a young Englishman and his experiences during the war.

It will be at the Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday, July 1 to Saturday, July 5.

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.

“Birdsong has such a resonance with the audience,” said Peter.

“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.”

Peter said being part of the production means 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,” he said.

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.

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