THE sound of bombs fills the air while a sulphurous smelling smoke pervades the darkness. A line of people sit side-by-side in a trench lit only by a lamp.

It is a gloomy scene. But it is not a First World War battlefield, but a transformed Gala Theatre in Durham City.

Described as a “Jorvik-style” experience, the theatre’s latest production 1916: No Turning Back opened on Thursday.

It attempts to immerse visitors in the sights, sounds and smells of the trenches, while actors bring the human stories of one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War to life.

It is not the theatre the Gala is used to putting on. In fact the whole arena has been transformed so it is almost unrecognisable, with all the seating removed and a labyrinth of different tableaux set up which visitors are led around.

But it is not a museum exhibition either.

While the performance is steeped in historical facts, it is not like a school lesson or a lecture.

The experience takes a chronological approach and takes visitors through a series of tableaux – starting with the recruitment office in Durham and finishing in the kitchen of a woman whose brother has recently been sent home from the Somme with injuries.

The story of the battle is told from the perspective of Second Lieutenant Simon Taylor, from his initial enthusiasm and pride to have signed up to a Pals battalion on a sunny day in Durham Market Place, through training at Cocken Hall, in Finchale, the long wait in the mud-filled trenches and the increasing mental and emotional strain put on him by being on the front line to his going over the top.

Visitors also hear from a nurse stationed near the frontline and a young woman at home in County Durham.

Of course the real sights and smells of the Somme are not really on display – there is no blood, gore and dead bodies, nor flying shrapnel and mud.

But the technical team has done an excellent job of setting the scene, while the actors bring the human tragedy of the war – for both men and women – to the fore.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “I’m really pleased with the result. Neil Armstrong, the director, has worked magic with the actors and the whole team.

“I knew the script was powerful but it wasn’t until the actors breathed life into it that it was going to be really special. I’ve seen it about ten times and I still find it very powerful at the end.”

The experience runs until Sunday, August 28. Tickets priced £6.50 to £7.50 can be booked at the Gala Theatre box office on 03000 266600 or by visiting www.galadurham.co.uk