Observe the Sons of Ulster at the Maidment Theatre

This play follows the fortunes of eight young Protestant men of the 36th Ulster Battalion in World War I and explores their camaraderie, thoughts and feelings as they face certain death in the blood-bath of the Battle of the Somme.

It is a timely reminder of the horror of trench warfare and the bravery of the men who gave their lives for others. The eight young actors in this Lethal Set production are well cast. They are handsome and full of life, and it is easy to be moved when you consider they would have been just eight deaths in the slaughter of 60,000 men.

The story starts with Ross Duncan as the main character, Pyper, remembering his fallen friends. His weary and broken face sets the tone.

Gareth Reeves shares Duncan's graceful carriage, making him well cast as the younger Pyper. He excels in the scenes where his cynical humour is on display, although is less effective with Nic Berry, who plays David Craig, the man who saves his life.

The pair share a close relationship and a love affair is hinted at but presented in a chaste and physically remote manner. This distance is unusual when other friendships are portrayed with more physical gusto. Phil Brown, as the bully George Anderson, and Dane Giraud as his drunken offsider, Nat McIlwaine, are excellent at capturing the camaraderie of two old friends.

Also good are Philip Brooks, as the dapper John Millen, and Matt Dwyer, as the sensitive William Moore, who have a more complex, co-dependent relationship to bring to life.

One of the less-engaging relationships is that of former preacher Christopher Roulston, played by Owen Black, and his young follower Martin Crawford, played by Glen Pickering.

Roulston is believable as the soldier with the Christ fixation and Glen shows the necessary strength in bringing down his former idol.

Designer Rachael Walker creates an austere set of wooden structures and sandbags which works well, and you can almost feel the scratchy wool of the uniforms selected by Brett Garton.

Bonnie Burrill's stark lighting works in battle scenes but a change of mood was needed for when the men were on leave.

Director Heath Jones keeps the physical action subdued and his mix of naturalistic action and mime is confusing.

The play's real message shines through in the physical scenes. You see the power of young men at their physical peak and all you can think is what a terrible, dreadful waste.

Review

* What: Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme
* Where and when: The Studio, Maidment Theatre, until May 21