FIVE STARS

 

There has been a lot of buzz about the company Les Enfants Terrible so I was pleased to get the chance to see them when their latest production arrived at the North Wall Arts Centre in North Oxford, and I was not disappointed as The Trench is a powerful and profound piece of theatre which impacts on many levels.

It follows the story of a miner, Bert, sent to the battlefields of the First World War to dig tunnels under enemy lines. It’s dangerous work, which comes to a terrifying halt when a German mine explodes, leaving him almost dead and completely buried. But this is not Bert’s end, merely the beginning of a surreal quest populated by demons and ghosts, where he is offered his life if he can overcome three harrowing trials. Assuredly directed by James Sanger and Oliver Lansley, all this is astonishingly compacted into one hour using multiple media to evoke a sense of the claustrophobia, the sweep of history, and an infinite supernatural world. A lyrical script by Lansley and ingenious design by Sam Wyer is wonderfully enhanced by silhouette animation, extraordinary puppetry, and an outstanding score and sound design by Alexander Wolfe. A bravura performance by Ben Warwick as Bert is well supported by Alex Scott, Elliott Rennie and Edward Cartwright in a variety of roles. The production demonstrates ensemble playing at its very best. There are many elements to this show which meld in a unique way that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. The Trench will be at The Theatre, Chipping Norton on May 21, and the Cornerstone, Didcot, on June 1. Do take the opportunity to see this show — you will be moved and amazed. It epitomises what makes theatre unique.

 

For toukr dertails go to lesenfantsterribles.co.uk/