Award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the roles of Ben Mitchell in Eastenders and
Justin Fitzgerald in Waterloo Road, will star as Jack Firebrace in Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks’
epic story of love and loss, when it returns to the Newcastle Theatre Royal stage (Tue 21 – Sat
25 Jan 2025).
The critically acclaimed show, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Alastair Whatley,
tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of
the First World 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 world 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. Faced
with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world
explodes around him.
On taking on the lead role in a tour marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling
novel, Max Bowden said: “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a
project close to my heart. Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity
simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can’t wait to
bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.”
Alastair Whatley, Director of Birdsong and Artistic Director of Original Theatre, said “Max joined
us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now the
best part of a decade later returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace. I cannot wait to
get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian’s most unforgettable
characters.”
Birdsong plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 21 – Sat 25 Jan 2025. Tickets can be purchased
at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.