This year marks 100 years since the start of the First World War and there is a selection of theatrical work focussing on ‘the war to end all wars’. With the strikingly vivid image of ceramic poppies surrounding the moat of the Tower of London it is only right that our theatres reflect upon this devastating event that shaped the world: after all what is more effective at reflecting the human condition than theatre?

Clamber Up The Crucifix begins at the end of the war. It tells the story of telegraph operator, Parker, as he recovers from the events of the war as a series of flashbacks reveal the events that shaped his current health.

The set design, by Cathy Boat, is simple but effective and suitably creates the scene in which the characters inhabit. The lighting and sound design also run well alongside the performance, however could have perhaps been a little more precise. There were moments where the lighting was completely dimmed, or in a low blue light making visibility extremely hard; some of the actors incredible work was lost in these moments which was frustrating for the audience.

Jonny McClean plays a number of characters throughout the production. One could almost expect the scenes to get muddy due to him firing lines back and forth between himself, however he copes splendidly with the great challenge laid in front of him. He gives a versatile performance and the distinction between characters, rooted in his clarity of accents, is never a problem.

Credit must go to director Gary Phillpott for the versatility we see in the performance; his direction ensures that clarity is a key focus allowing us never to be distracted from the story. There are some harrowing moments that he creates to really show the turmoil that has shaped the central character.

The fact is, without being there, none of us will really know what it was like to live and fight in the trenches on the Western Front; we can hear stories retold and research into the matter, but we simply could never fully know what the soldiers were going through. However, this piece of theatre aims to do its utmost to help us understand and should be applauded for the honesty John Kitchen’s script and the performance portrays.

A gritty, honest, unique piece of theatre that has you hooked from start to finish; a great reminder of our historical heritage that we should all strive to understand and respect – go see it if you can.   ★★★★☆     Sam Chipman     1/11/14