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Wounded Service Men and Women stories set for Sherman Cymru’s stage |
A group of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who took the West End by storm in January with the hit play The Two Worlds of Charlie F., created by The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust in partnership with The Royal British Legion and Defence Recovery Capability, will now bring their real-life stories of conflict and recovery to Cardiff’s Sherman Cymru in July. Written by Owen Sheers (National Theatre Wales’s The Passion and WRU Writer in Residence), The Bravo 22 Company will be bringing their production to the newly re-opened Sherman Cymru, Cardiff on 25, 26 & 28 July before heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Two Worlds of Charlie F. is a soldier’s view of service, injury and recovery. Moving from the war in Afghanistan, through the dream world of morphine-induced hallucinations to the physio rooms of Headley Court, the play explores the consequences of injury, both physical and psychological, and its effects on others as the soldiers fight to win the new battle for survival at home. Taken from the personal experience of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel involved, The Two Worlds of Charlie F. is a darkly comic, authentic and uplifting tale of survival performed by those who were there. Under the artistic auspices of patron Trevor Nunn, and with the support of project ambassador Ray Winstone, and patron General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff, The Bravo 22 Company crafted a production which received five star reviews and full house standing ovations from a star-studded audience when it debuted for two performances at The Theatre Royal Haymarket on 22nd January 2012. Following the first performances, Ray Winstone commented: "I am so proud and overwhelmed. It is the most moving play I've seen for a long, long time. The public should get behind this and be part of something unforgettable." The production, which was born out of a collaborative project between The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, The Royal British Legion and Defence Recovery Capability, has the aim of using a theatrical learning environment to aid recovery, build new skills and offer opportunities to those members of the Armed Forces transitioning into civilian life. Commenting on the origins of the project and the success of the production and forthcoming tour Masterclass Creative Producer Alice Driver said: “This all started 15 months ago as an idea inspired by the bravery of a wounded soldier I met in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. The Bravo 22 Company was born out of this meeting; at its heart was the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel by providing a unique work placement within a theatre company. By being part of this process they would not only immerse themselves into a new industry but benefit from the effects of this theatre model: increased confidence, self-awareness and ultimately allowing them to step away from their injury.” The Legion’s Director of Health and Welfare, Sue Freeth, said of the charity’s involvement: “The Legion is proud to be funding this very innovative and unique recovery project for members of the Armed Forces community. The project has demonstrated the huge impact a creative and collaborative process can have on building self-esteem and motivation, and has also offered an insight into a different industry, opening doors to new opportunities for those involved. “We will continue to channel funds where needed into projects like this, to support Service personnel recovering from life changing injuries, and their families, today and for the rest of their lives.” Welsh writer of The Two Worlds of Charlie F, Owen Sheers said: “I'm thrilled The Two Worlds of Charlie F. is coming to Wales. 7% of the British Armed Forces are recruited from Wales even though Wales makes up just 5% of the British population. The play deals with issues currently affecting many Welsh Service personnel and their families, and with several Welsh members of the cast too I am pleased Wales has the chance to see a performance. On a personal note I'm especially pleased the play is coming to the Sherman, a theatre in which I first acted at the age of eleven.” The Two Worlds of Charlie F. will be at Sherman Cymru, Cardiff on 25, 26 & 28 July at 7.30pm. There is a matinee performance on 28 July at 2.30pm. Suitable for ages 16+. Tickets are £15 – £22. Concessions available and under 25s get half prices tickets. All proceeds go to The Royal British Legion and The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust. For further information and tickets please contact Sherman Cymru on 029 2064 6900 or visit www.shermancymru.co.uk |
| web site: www.shermancymru.co.uk |
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Friday, July 6, 2012 |
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