Vera Brittain’s Testament of Youth, an elegy for all those who lost their young lives in the First World War, was a book written to honour a lost generation.
This intimate new musical, a co-production between Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre Royal, probes the more personal side of her life.
Not the things that the author wrote down in the pages of her book, but those that she did not.
Notably absent from her mémoire, for example, is the fact that her brother was in a relationship with a man, and died on the battlefield before he was court-martialed for it.
The never-never land where he might have lived in tolerance with his lover gives this piece its title.
It also inspires the choice of music that underscores the action.
Star composer, Ivor Novello, was no stranger to keeping his love a secret either.
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The powerful longing of his songs is the perfect match for the show’s tumultuous journey.
But what of Miss Brittain and her loves? Well, these get lavish stage time too. Her serial losses are still the fulcrum on which the tragedy pivots.
Even if you are not a fan of the book (or the two films that followed it) this is a great night out at the theatre, with costume and set by Nicky Shaw lending the evening all the nostalgic elegance of Downton Abbey.
Director, Kimberley Sykes, tells the story with great pith.
We are swiftly transported from time to time and place to place as pianos and chairs are whisked off the stage like dancing partners.
The band in the pit is fantastic and the singing is so touching. If you see one thing this season, make it this.
The Land Of Might-Have-Been runs at Norwich Theatre Royal until July 30 - book at norwichtheatre.org
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