Songs From Behind The Front

As part of the 2016 Flanders Fields Poppy Trail commemorations, the State Opera Company of South Australia is presenting this musical tribute to both the Australian forces and their allies who fought on the Western Front in World War One. Hew Wagner, Courtney Turner, Desiree Frahn and Andrew Turner appear onstage in period costume, sing songs from the era (including popular standards like “Long Way To Tipperary” and “Keep The Home Fires Burning”) and recite poetry which reflects upon the human cost of the conflict. Co-writer Timothy Sexton delivers narration that helps put each performance into its correct historical context and some well-chosen visual projections also help set the scene.

This is a tastefully assembled piece, that includes a balanced mix of mellow and uptempo music, well-known and obscure works. The main quartet impress with both the technical precision of their singing and the depth of emotional commitment they bring to their acting. Sexton’s narration is more uneven; generally he brings the right level of emotional gravitas to his delivery, but there are odd moments where he sounds way too casual and laidback in relating the horrors of war. Still, it’s a minor flaw in a work that offers much to satisfy those who are enthusiastic about the music of this era, as well as those looking to reflect upon the momentous events of the Western Front in this, their centenary year.

Benjamin Orchard