BIRDSONG a mesmerising story of love and courage set both before and during the Great War runs at Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, from Monday June 1 to Friday June 5.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

Ahead of this production, Pompey Pals along with Company of Makers will bring a free WW1 Exhibition to the Kings Theatre Workshop Space, No. 28 Albert Road today ( Friday) and tomorrow.

The two companies hope to share knowledge, memories and raise awareness of the city’s great history.

The dynamic and fact full exhibition will include information regarding the Kings Theatre in WW1 collated from the Kings Theatre archive; talks, genuine war artefacts and stories from the Pompey Pals; and the chance to add your voice to the Company of Makers project #VeteranMeans where, in one word, you describe what the word ‘Veteran’ means to you.

In August 1914, men of Portsmouth, not already occupied in essential war work, were called up to form Portsmouth’s own battalion. It was not long before the city, including the surrounding areas had raised two battalions. They saw service on the Western Front from the middle years of the war, and faced a baptism of fire on the killing grounds of the Somme. Pompey Pals Project aims to commemorate all those men & women from the Portsmouth region who served in any capacity during the Great War.

The exhibition is open today and tomorrow, 10am – 4pm

at No 28, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2QJ