Treading The Boards: Former Forces 'Wor Stories'
Some of the characters have battled with injury, alcoholism, drug addiction and homelessness.
Unlike most military themed plays, the next production to hit the stage at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal is based on the stories of the actors themselves.
The process began in the summer when British Legion theatre company Bravo 22 advertised for performers.
The 30 veterans then met to tell their stories, which were woven into the script. Writer Gary Kitching says:
"People have told me stories that will stay with me for my entire life... (and) the other thing that I’ve learnt really very clearly is that if you haven’t served in the armed forces, you have no idea what its like".
Phil Web is one of the actors who came to participate. He says:
"I found out about Bravo 22 and I read about it and it said 'come and tell your tales about when you was in the Army', and I thought 'that’s great – someone wants to listen to me tales, and they can't run off'".
According to Director Chris Connel, everyone turned up and went 'I don’t want to be in this', then by day three, they all wanted to be stars.
The veterans taking part have come from all corners of the forces, and everyone has a story to tell about life after leaving the military.
In a broad sense, the theme of the play is what happens after people have left the Army, Navy, or RAF.
To find out, watch Bravo 22’s ‘Wor stories’, which runs at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal until Saturday.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
