by Lex Melony

In the intimate setting of the King’s Head Theatre, Firebird takes flight, pulling the audience into the deeply personal and heartbreaking world of forbidden love in the Soviet Union of the 1970s. Based on Sergey Fetisov’s memoir, A Tale About Roman, the play explores the powerful and often devastating intersection of love, identity, and societal oppression. What makes this production particularly memorable is the talent and insight of its cast and creative team, whose performances and reflections add layers of meaning to an already poignant narrative.

Characters and Cast

Sergei Fetisov, the central figure, is portrayed by Theo Walker. His sensitive yet powerful performance conveys Sergei's emotional journey with remarkable authenticity, embodying the innocence, courage, and eventual heartbreak of a young man trapped in a stifling regime.

Roman Matveev, a daring fighter pilot and Sergei’s love interest, is brought to life by Robert Eades, whose nuanced portrayal captures the internal conflict of a man torn between duty and desire.

Luisa Jannsen, Sergei's confidante, played by Sorcha Kennedy, adds depth with a portrayal of friendship, resilience, and silent strength.

Colonel Alexey Kuznetsov, performed by Nigel Hastings, is a symbol of the oppressive societal and military expectations of the Soviet Union. Hastings brings a multi-dimensional gravitas to the role, balancing authority with glimpses of human vulnerability.

What Makes Firebird Shine

The staging of Firebird is simple yet deeply effective, designed to pull audiences into the emotional heart of the story. Minimal props and a cleverly arranged set recreate the stifling environment of Soviet military life while keeping the focus squarely on the characters and their inner struggles.

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the narrative. Dim shadows reflect secrecy and tension, while warmer tones highlight the fleeting moments of connection and love. This subtle interplay of light beautifully mirrors the emotional highs and lows of the story.

The sound design is immersive and powerful, bringing Sergei’s world to life. The low rumble of fighter jets and the haunting echo of footsteps add authenticity to the setting, while a carefully chosen musical score underscores the raw emotions of each scene.

The performances are deeply moving. Theo Walker brings Sergei’s innocence and courage to life with stunning authenticity, while Robert Eades captures Roman’s internal conflict with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the final scene. Sorcha Kennedy adds warmth and strength as Luisa, and Nigel Hastings delivers a layered portrayal of Colonel Kuznetsov, balancing authority with glimpses of vulnerability.

All of these elements come together under the precise direction of Owen Lewis, whose approach ensures every moment on stage carries emotional weight. Every silence, every movement, and every line is deliberate, drawing the audience further into the story. It’s a production that resonates deeply, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Theo Walker on Playing Sergei.

I deliberately avoided watching the film adaptation before rehearsals. I didn’t want to imitate anything. I wanted to approach Sergei as a young man who is just discovering what it means to love and to fear at the same time.

Walker’s portrayal of Sergei is raw and vulnerable, capturing the innocence and bravery of a man navigating the treacherous waters of love in a world that forbids it. His performance anchors the play, drawing the audience into Sergei’s deeply personal journey.

Robert Eades on the Tragic Love Story.

When asked about his preparation for playing Roman, Eades reflected on the weight of history behind the story.

“The script made me think about how millions of people throughout history have had to suffer in silence,” he said. “They weren’t allowed to love openly. And in some places today, that’s still the case. That’s what makes Firebird so powerful—it’s not just a historical drama. It’s a story that still matters.”

Eades’ performance brings both charm and heartbreak to Roman, a man torn between his desires and the rigid expectations of his society.

Nigel Hastings on Playing Colonel Kuznetsov.

“It was crucial not to play Kuznetsov as a villain,” Hastings explained. “To him, he’s simply upholding the rules of his world. He doesn’t hate Roman - he fears what Roman represents. That’s what makes him terrifying. He believes he’s protecting order, but in reality, he’s destroying lives.”

Hastings adds complexity to a role that could easily fall into caricature, showing the internal conflicts of a man whose actions are shaped by fear and power.

Sorcha Kennedy on Luisa’s Role in the Story.

Kennedy spoke passionately about Luisa’s unique place in the narrative.

“She’s not just the ‘other woman,’” Kennedy said. “She’s someone who also fights for love—just in a different way. She is bound by expectations, by society, but she’s also a victim of a world that doesn’t allow people to be who they truly are.”

Luisa’s character provides a powerful counterpoint to Sergei and Roman’s love story, highlighting how societal constraints can affect all forms of love and connection.

The Writer’s Perspective.

“This isn’t just fiction,” the writer Richard Hough, explained. “It’s inspired by real people who lived, loved, and suffered in silence. I wanted to write something that honours their courage and their pain. And I hope we’ve done that.”

Richard also touched on the extensive research that went into the script, including interviews and historical records. “Every word is rooted in truth,” he said, “and that truth makes the story resonate even more.”

The Story Behind Sergei Fetisov’s Memoir.

The source material, A Tale About Roman, recounts Sergei’s experience during his mandatory military service in the Soviet Union. Serving in the Soviet Air Force in Estonia during the 1970s, Sergei fell in love with a charismatic fighter pilot. Their love story, against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and rampant institutional homophobia, is a testament to the power of love and courage.

Later in life, Sergei became a renowned actor in Russia, performing in over 40 films and plays. His memoir, published under the pseudonym "Sergey Nizhniy," offers a deeply personal account of love, loss, and survival. Tragically, Sergei passed away in 2017, but his story continues to inspire through productions like Firebird.

Extra Q&A moments.

One audience member remarked on the hauntingly beautiful chemistry between Sergei and Roman, asking the actors how they developed such authenticity. Eades responded, "It came down to trust. Theo and I spent hours outside rehearsals talking about the complexities of love in hostile environments."

Another highlight was Nigel Hastings discussing the humanity of his role as Colonel Kuznetsov. “It’s easy to paint him as the villain,” he admitted, “but he’s also a man shaped by his time, grappling with his own limitations.”

As the Q&A concluded, it was clear that Firebird is more than a play; it’s a conversation starter. Whether through Sergei’s heartbreaking journey or the passionate performances of its cast, the production resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level.

Firebird at King’s Head Theatre is an essential watch for anyone seeking theatre that challenges, inspires, and moves. This is storytelling at its rawest and most profound - don’t miss it.

Plays till 9th February 2025 in King's Head Theatre.

Tickets here: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/firebird

See full Q&A Video on LEXME Youtube Channel