ON Armistice Day, Monday 11 November, London’s Palace Theatre will take a one-night break from blockbuster show The Commitments to stage a special performance of Dreams from the Pit, in aid of veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.
Dreams from the Pit is a new play that follows three British soldiers, Razor, Jacko and Sully, who are deployed to Afghanistan. Based on extensive interviews with veterans, members of the Armed Forces and their families, it’s an insight into the frontline experience of today’s soldiers and of many military families. Gritty, authentic and often very funny, the play aims to make us all more aware of the kinds of mental health issues that may result from combat exposure.
Writer and director Emma King-Farlow draws on historic as well as current experiences of war in creating this production. The title of the play is from Siegfried Sassoon’s WW1 poem, Does It Matter?, a pithy appraisal of war injuries from the soldiers’ perspective. Well-known and more recent war poetry is a feature of the production.
Combat Stress CEO, Commodore Andrew Cameron, said: “I hope that this performance will attract a wide audience. At Combat Stress we have seen rising demand for our services and, unfortunately, there is no sign of these numbers coming down any time soon.
“What I can say is that support and treatment can make a huge difference to helping Veterans reclaim their lives and we are keen to ensure that all those who need help can get it.”
Following the performance, Commodore Cameron and special guests will join a panel discussion, moderated by broadcaster Mike Williams.
Dreams from the Pit is performed and produced by volunteers. All proceeds from the 11 November performance will go to Combat Stress.
Tickets £15-£45 available from www.nimaxtheatres.com
Box office 0844 412 5656 or 0844 482 9676
Those interested in DREAMS FROM THE PIT might also be interested to know about OUR AJAX at Southwark Playhouse (6 to 30 November), a new play exploring the causes, nature and consequences of CRPTSD, as mentioned in the last edition of Army & You. There’s more info here:
http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-large/our-ajax/