The first version of Journey’s End, in 1928, starred an unknown actor named Laurence Olivier.

Staged often since then, it even has a sort of cameo in the cult film about two unemployed thespians, Withnail & I. One of the idle actors escapes poverty and a life of obscurity by bagging the lead role in a touring production of Journey’s End.

Something of a classic, then. But does it deserve its reputation? In short, yes.

The play is about a group of British officers struggling to come to terms with the hardships of trench life during The Great War.

Lieutenant Raleigh, a young and green recruit, has swung a commission to join the trench commanded by his hero, Captain Stanhope. Raleigh knew Stanhope when the latter was a few years ahead of him at public school.

But the senior man is now very changed. Youthful idealism and sobriety are a thing of the past, and Stanhope is cynical, bitter and struggling to suppress his fear and disgust with war.

Raleigh has all that to learn – if he can survive long enough.

The play may have been first staged more than 80 years ago, but its message and understated dramatic power remain fresh and relevant.