My Real War 1914-? *** TNT

Monday 19 October 2009 16:15 GMT

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My Real War 1914-?

This article was first published on tntonline.co.uk on Monday 19 October 2009 16:15 GMT.

This is a short show, so despite the question mark in the title there’s the uncomfortable feeling right from the start that this solo performance, adapted from the letters of Havilland Le Mesurier can only end one sad way.

Upper class, privileged and eager to abandon his scholarship to Oxford and enlist, Lem (as he prefers to be called) initially has the naïve enthusiasm of an excited puppy, but as he completes his training and is shipped out overseas, eagerness turns to boredom, boredom to a longing for the creature comforts and safety of home, and longing to fear and the realisation that fighting a war takes a terrible toll.

Tricia Thorns (who also directs) has adapted his correspondence to create a touching portrait of a promising young man swept up in the tragedy of a whole generation. Writing from the trenches, he allows his growing doubts and anger to surface in his letters to his father. But, to his mother, the tone is more reassuring as he tries to shield her from the reality of mud, rats, injury and death, telling her instead how much he welcomed the cake and hamper from Fortnum & Mason.

The production is way too busy, with an action to fit every change in mood, but Philip Desmeules - bright-eyed, floppy haired and with a military tache – poignantly brings Lem back from the dead in this factual account of what it was like to serve in World War I.

Trafalgar Studios (2), Whitehall, SW1A 2DY TUBE: Charing Cross (0870 060 6632; ambassadortickets.com/myrealwar) Until Oct 31. £15-£22.50