RACHEL Wagstaff’S 2010 stage adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ novel represents a new way to understand the horrors, commemorate the dead and weigh the cost of the First World War, and director John-Paul McCrohon has a committed and serious minded cast, led by himself and Pete and Caroline Westmoreland.

The magnificent set provides a potent image of the battlefield, but seems not quite fully dressed, so when soldiers are on the ground locked in conflict or reconciliation the absence of mud is noticeable.

“Flashbacks” are often presented effectively, but combine with almost overly immaculate costumes (Sue McCrohon, Sabre Sales) and music to encourage cinematic effects which can actually slow the action – the sense of watching a static screen obstructs that of actors freely moving on stage – though music comes into its own during the brief final symbolic dance.

The principals all serve the whole piece, while Sally Goddard is particularly potent as Lisette.