Theatre has a magical way of revealing the raw truths of our world, and Firebird, now playing at The King’s Head Theatre, soars with passion and authenticity. Adapted from Sergey Fetisov’s memoir and the 2021 film, this stage production takes us to 1970s Soviet Air Force Base Estonia, where love blooms defiantly against an oppressive backdrop.
Robert Eades and Theo Walker lead a phenomenal cast, portraying a soldier and fighter pilot caught in a web of forbidden love. Their chemistry ignites the stage, capturing every stolen glance and whispered word with heart-stopping sincerity. The moments where their love flourishes in private – shirtless and vulnerable, stripped of both uniform and fear – are breathtaking. These scenes are tenderly charged, pulsing with the electricity of a love that dares to exist. Sorcha Kennedy and Nigel Hastings provide excellent support, enriching the narrative with performances that ground the story in its harsh, oppressive reality.

Firebird doesnât just tell a story – it embodies one. Owen Lewisâs direction masterfully navigates the delicate balance between intimacy and repression, delivering a production that feels both grand and profoundly personal. Gregor Donnellyâs evocative set design, paired with Clancy Flynnâs moody lighting, creates a world that is at once hauntingly beautiful and heartbreakingly stark. The tension is further heightened by moments of stillness juxtaposed with explosive physicality, making the journey both intimate and epic.
A love story ablaze with passion, vulnerability, and defiance against a backdrop of oppression.
This is more than just a play about love; it is a searing indictment of the societal norms that seek to crush it. At its heart lies a tender yet powerful story that resonates deeply, reminding us of the courage it takes to live authentically in the face of adversity. For Queer audiences especially, the defiance against repression feels like a rallying cry, a reminder of how far weâve come and how much further we have to go.
What makes Firebird even more remarkable is its ability to combine the personal with the universal. The love story between Eadesâs soldier and Walkerâs pilot is beautifully intimate, yet it carries the weight of countless untold Queer stories throughout history. Moments of joy, whether in stolen kisses or tentative embraces, provide glimpses of hope amidst the oppressive backdrop. These fleeting moments of happiness remind us why Queer love stories need to be told – they celebrate resilience, vulnerability, and the sheer audacity of love.

The play also doesnât shy away from the grim reality of repression, where even the most tender connections come with unbearable risks. This duality is where Firebird excels. It paints a full, authentic picture of Queer existence under an oppressive regime, allowing audiences to feel the highs of love and the lows of fear in equal measure. The production resonates even more powerfully in todayâs climate, where Queer rights and freedoms are still under threat in many parts of the world. This connection to contemporary struggles makes Firebird not only a historical drama but an essential and urgent piece of theatre for today.
Final Thoughts â â â â â
Would I recommend Firebird? Absolutely, but letâs delve deeper. This is not just an evening of theatre; itâs a reckoning. Itâs a production that grabs you by the heart and doesnât let go, immersing you in the lives of characters whose love burns as brightly as their risk. Queer love stories often face the challenge of balancing joy with tragedy, and Firebird does so effortlessly, giving us moments of levity and laughter amid the anguish. If youâre a fan of nuanced storytelling, heart-pounding romance, and the occasional shirtless scene that feels earned rather than gratuitous, this play will leave you exhilarated.
This is theatre at its most potent – a production that lingers long after the final moments fade. For Queer viewers, itâs a celebration of resilience and the unapologetic pursuit of love. For everyone, itâs a masterclass in storytelling and a poignant reminder of the power of human connection. Donât wait for a second longer – Firebird is a production that demands to be witnessed.
Playing at the King’s Head Theatre until 9 February 2025.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
More Reading
- A Queer Cowboy in the City:Â Lonesomeâs Gritty Tale of Queer Longing and Discovery
- All of Us Strangers: A Hauntingly Beautiful Exploration of What Could Have Been
- Antigone [on strike] – A Modern Tragedy of Identity and Control
- Bear Traps at The Golden Goose Theatre: A Quiet Look at Family Ties and Black Holes