The new play at the inner city Genesian theatre is revival of British playwright R. C. Sherriff’s classic 1929 World War 1 drama, ‘Journey’s End’. Some readers may know the play from the 1930 film adaptation directed by James Whale.

‘Journey’s End’ is set in the trenches at Saint-Quentin, France, in the days coming up to the battle for the township. The entire story plays out in the officer’s dugout of a British Army infantry company over four days from 18 March 1918 to 21 March 1918.

The heart of Sherriff’s play is its graphic, gut-wrenching evocation of the huge emotional toll that the battlefield takes of its soldiers. This comes out strongly in Debbie Smith’s considered and resonant production.

Smith’s cast of eight actors, led by Hunter McMahon as the company commander, Stanhope, give performances of focus and conviction. They play infantry men of different ranks fighting angst, fatigue and sleep deprivation with a combination of alcohol and adrenaline. Their British stiff upper lip resolve comes through with the officers drinking myriad cups of tea.

The play’s big scenes were all well played, my highlight being the stand-off scene between Stanhope and one of his officers, Hibbert (Zachary Vermeer), when for a time, Hibbert’s courage fails him.

Smith’s well conceived set ensconces the audience into the dank trench. The sand-bags flank the duck-boards- with the entanglements of barbed wire with corrugated tin lining the dugout. The mud, rats, lice, and desperation are palpable.

A memorable expose of war, ‘Journey’s End’ plays the Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent Street, Sydney until Saturday April 24.