“The play, which in Rachel Wagstaff’s adaption necessarily contracts much of Faulks’s novel, concerns in no small part the lives of the sappers and in particular one Jack Firebrace . . . the brave and steadfast miner is played with sensitivity, dignity and authority by Peter Duncan who effects an unsentimental pathos in the role . . . The production remains a powerful testimony to one of the darkest periods in European history. Last night’s audience were treated to a cameo performance by the author who came on to read some battle orders. Clearly enjoying the experience he waved his cap as he left the stage after the curtain call. ”