A thought-provoking play, by Kingsley Walker, this explores the cataclysmic impact of the First World War on friendships and family relationships.

It was fittingly staged in the old Methodist church, now an arts centre, whose war memorial was part of the inspiration for the play, and was well written and ably performed by a talented cast.

The play focuses on two British soldiers, brothers George and Jack, fighting in France alongside their friends Tom and Ben, and how their death affects their mother and David, the brother left behind in Wiltshire.

In just an hour it deals with a range of weighty issues including grief, family love, duty, comradeship and survivor guilt.

This was a tall order for the cast, who needed to move at breakneck speed to fit it all in.

The result was energetic and fresh, but this was at the expense of the plot, which at times came across like a TV soap. This was a modern play with modern dialogue and outlook. There was no real attempt to portray the characters in terms of their attitudes, mannerisms and beliefs.

Granted the play was for a modern audience, but a true exploration of the horror can only be gauged by recreating what existed at the time.

Thankfully it avoided many of the ‘lions led by donkeys’ cliches that have become part and parcel and First World War stage, film and literature.

Green Stag Theatre will be taking the play to the Alma Tavern and Theatre in Bristol from July 22-25 before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

Richard McAllister