And Then Come the Nightjars
Photo by Tom Soper Photography
Review by Martine Silkstone
And Then Come the Nightjars, currently playing at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, is described as “a tender, frank and funny play about a West Country farm struggling to survive the Foot and Mouth pandemic”.
But that does not do it justice.
Because while Foot and Mouth may be the backdrop, I think this is a play, first and foremost, about beautiful and enduring male friendship; about the bravado and language men use to talk around their deepest feelings, and how that actually translates into a connection that is rather special.
That is where the magic lies in this story.
And it is wonderfully portrayed by its two talented stars.
David Hounslow (House of the Dragon, Coronation Street and more) is the gruff but warm-hearted dairy farmer, Michael, who is not only dealing with the loss of his beloved wife, but the imminent threat to his way of life.
Meanwhile, Antony Eden (Emmerdale, The Bill and more) plays the local vet, Jeff - or Herriot as Michael calls him, for obvious reasons. Jeff is trying to help Michael through the devastating impact of the pandemic, while going through a marriage breaking down and using alcohol as a dangerous crutch.
It’s funnier than it sounds.
And their friendship is so beautifully and delicately observed by writer Bea Roberts. As the narrative unfolds over a period of years, it is, in turn, teasing, gentle, frustrating, angry, caring and playful - as most friendships are. Indeed, while at times this is an emotionally wrought theatrical experience, still that relationship keeps the overall feeling one of positivity and…well, love.
Photo by Tom Soper Photography
All of which is supported by clever lighting and music (Jessie Addinall and Anna Short respectively), and truly great set and costume design by Jessica Curtis. In fact, on a side note, the set reminded me so much of my dad’s old barn space, complete with hay bales, dirty cloths and shelves of ‘tools’ - just lovely to see.
Also, the length of the play is perfectly judged - being just over an hour, with no interval - as any longer may have been too much.
In short, they tick all the important boxes with a huge amount of creative skill.
And I came out knowing that I had just seen an impressive piece of performance art, cleverly depicting both social history and a deep humanity. And that’s the sign of great theatre, right? Something that reflects our society; something that makes the audience think, understand and empathise.
Certainly, it is sure to chime with Suffolk farmers, and the trials and tribulations of that way of life; how farming is changing, the passion, the financial burden and the impact of house building on the landscape.
Still, if I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what I really ‘felt’.
I bumped into Suffolk on Stage guest reviewer, Richie Simpson, on the way out and she said that she “absolutely loved it”.
It took me a little longer to reach the same conclusion.
Had I enjoyed it? The answer is yes, but I still needed to sit with it for a while for my true response to emerge. Because this is a play that stays with you and settles into your soul.
Now I can say with certainty that it is a rather special piece of theatre, wonderfully put together by the production team and director, Owen Calvert Lyons, and given real heart by the two performers.
If you love dramatic theatre, you’ll love this.
And Then Come the nIghtjars is at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds until 21 March 2026.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE