⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3 stars
Firebird is a play by Richard Hough currently playing at the King's Head Theatre in Islington, London. It’s a stage adaptation of a true Cold War-era love story. Set against the backdrop of a Soviet-occupied Estonian Air Force base in the 1970s, it follows a young soldier navigating a forbidden romance with a charismatic fighter pilot, exploring themes of love, identity, and repression. The production marks the first stage rendition following the acclaimed 2021 film by Peeter Rebane and Tom Prior, and it’s an ambitious undertaking for such an intimate venue.
The King's Head Theatre is an ideal setting for a play of this nature, its close quarters create an 'immersive' experience, allowing the audience to feel almost part of the story. With only four actors, the production relies heavily on strong performances to bring this emotionally charged narrative to life. While the cast delivered good performances, I found that the production could have benefited from a little more intensity and emotional depth. The chemistry between the actors was evident, and Robert Eades (Roman Matvejev) in particular brought some well-timed slight comic relief, but at times, the passion and urgency needed for such a high-stakes love story felt slightly subdued.
That said, the staging was impressive, with well-executed set and costume design that effectively transported the audience to the Soviet era. The atmosphere was tangible, evoking the isolation and tension of the time. A standout moment was the New Year’s Eve scene, where Private Sergey Serebrennikov (Theo Walker), Luisa Jansen (Sorcha Kennedy), and Roman Matvejev (Robert Eades) share contraband champagne to celebrate the new year. This light-hearted moment beautifully sets up the complexity of their relationships moving forward.
Overall, Firebird is a well-crafted production that tells an important story, but it feels like it has the potential to soar even higher with a bit more emotional weight. It’s a worthy watch, particularly for those interested in LGBTQ+ history, Cold War dramas, or intimate storytelling, but it might leave some hoping for a stronger emotional punch.
Venue
King’s Head Theatre
116p Upper St
London N1 1QP
Dates
9 January - 9 February 2025
Price
£10 - £35
Running time
90mins (no interval)
Booking
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