SET entirely in an officers’ dugout in the trenches of the First World War, Journey’s End is an intense examination of bravery, friendship and manhood.

Seeing Stanhope, a charismatic alcoholic, trying to galvanise his company for an expected German assault cannot fail to make you thankful to be alive now, rather than 100 years ago – or at any similarly bloodthirsty period in our history.

The RC Sherriff play was first performed on a single evening in 1928, with Laurence Olivier playing Stanhope. One can only imagine how harrowing it must have been for a British audience for whom the scars of the war that was to end all wars remained painfully fresh.

More than 80 years on, the work still has the power to leave an audience drained, robbed of emotion and feeling emptily helpless.

Graham Seed, the voice of Nigel Pargetter in The Archers, is outstanding as steady old Osbourne, while Christopher Harper, whose TV credits include Life on Mars, The Bill and Doctors, is enthralling as Stanhope.

Although there is a surprising amount of humour – much provided by Mason (Adam Best) and Trotter (Gareth Davies) – don’t go expecting a laugh. But do go.

■ Ends today. Tickets 0191-332-4041