"Tinker is the nearest we are likely to get to a Falklands Wilfred Owen and for that we should be deeply grateful" Andrew Wilson, The Observer

"One of the most moving aspects of a petty wretched war... reading his letters made me weep with despair" Anthony Clare, The Listener

On April 10th 1982, 25 year old Lieutenant David Tinker RN wrote to his wife from HMS Glamorgan, steaming towards the Falkland Islands as part of the Task Force…

"Here we are in 1982, fighting a colonial war on the other side of the world: 28,000 men going to fight over a fairly dreadful piece of land inhabited by 1800 people.... The ideal is most praiseworthy; the wishes of a tiny people supported by the might of a large state. Everything else is quite ludicrous."

He was killed in action a month later.

"David Tinker, Lieutenant, aged 25..... Committed to the ocean deep in position 51 50' 50" South, 53 31' 80" West. 160 miles East of Falkland Islands: on the evening of 12th June"

Falkland Sound tells the life story of David Tinker from his letters and poems. His moving story is told by his father, Hugh, whose simple narration guides us through David's life as he attempts to make sense of his son's sacrifice. In this 20th anniversary year of the Falklands War, Falkland Sound presents one of the only views of the Falklands War written as the battle was raging.

Based on the book A Message from the Falklands: the Life and Gallant Death of David Tinker, Falkland Sound originally formed the first part of Falkland Sound/Voces de Malvinas which opened at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, London, in June 1983 and - after a national tour - was revived in the main theatre in December 1983 with a new cast. The original production was directed by Max Stafford-Clark and featured Paul Jesson and Julian Wadham. We now present its first revival.

The Press on Falkland Sound
One of the Top Five Plays in London - British Theatre Guide

"It is appropriate that Louise Page's play, adapting a book by Hugh Tinker, should be revived as a reminder of how a war can affect individual families. It may also be timely in the political climate of late 2002. Edward Jaspers gives a tremendous performance as young David in Jennifer Lunn's simple but very moving production." Philip Fisher, British Theatre Guide

"One cannot be but moved by the needless extinguishing of his life. Tinkers story resonates hauntingly because it is told simply, with honesty and without a hint of sentimentality or embellishment" Richard Stearn, Time Out

"The subtle dramatisation by Louise Page testament to the hypocrisy and wastefulness of conflict, the political manoeuvrings and military folly behind it. It is an indictment of Maggie's War from a personal viewpoint that succeeds in being both moving and informative. Simon Wright is believable and compassionate. Edward Jaspers bringing a fresh-faced, clean-cut physicality to the role. Jennifer Lunn directs both actors in assured performances. An evening of sober reflection, this is a timely revival" David Simmons, The Stage

"Director Jennifer Lunn stages this very simply, letting the words speak for themselves within his ordinariness, of course, lies the pathos of the piece: whatever the cost of a life lost at war, the piece is at its most interesting when hinting at the emotional sacrifice of a life spent almost entirely away from home" Metro

"To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Falklands war, Louise Page's 1983 play Falkland Sound has been revived at the Finborough considerable power. Besides its emotional force, the plays other main strength lies in its insight into the combatants perspective on the war. Wright is admirably self-effacing as Davids dad-hes rumpled, and wistful, but never seeks more of the attention than the little that the play offers him. Jaspers exudes Hugh Grant-alike charm as David, whose nice-but-dim demeanour hides no small compassion. They hold our attention with their words alone. This is a timely reminder of the reasons that governments usually invoke democracy, duty and war." Brian Logan, Evening Standard

"An emotionally-packed short play on the futility of war. There have been plays about young men and poets in war before and there will be more in the future without doubt, but certainly the most succinct and moving I have seen is Falkland Sound, currently at the Finborough Theatre. The two-man cast at the Finborough are expert. The two actors who comprise the entire cast of this play are excellent, and the short evening peoples the stage with other characters. Indeed, David manages to make you join him in his loves, his hopes and finally his realisation of the sheer waste of time and money. Both actors play with skill and artistry. The play lasts approximately 55 minutes, and it is the most emotionally packed short play I have ever seen. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. It is a very affecting evening." Paul Nelson, indielondon.com

"Two-plays-in-one-evening run, pairing a hard-hitting, factual look at the Falklands War with the tale of a damaged childhood in rural Ireland in the Sixties. Falkland Sound, originally seen at the Royal Court in 1983, is based on the book A Message from the Falklands: The Life and Gallant Death of David Tinker. Using Tinker's letters home as a basis, this tells the story of a young lieutenant in the Royal Navy who was killed in action in the South Atlantic... Well worth a look." Fiona Mountford, Hot Tickets.

"If there is a bridge between the Finborough's current double showcase of first-time revivals, then it is one of looking back to a tragically lost innocence. Both plays can be seen separately, but together they offer a demonstration of how two pieces, wildly skewed in style, can be so vividly moving. Both plays are well worth the trip to SW10" Richard Stearn, Time Out