A darkly comic, authentic and uplifting tale of survival
“Powerfully affecting – Gripping. The authenticity of verbatim drama and the saltiness of barracks-room humour with the finesse of something more lyrical. 5 stars” The Telegraph
T
he Two Worlds of Charlie F. is a serviceman’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 personnel fight to win the new battle for survival at home.
The play was originally developed as a theatre recovery project of Wounded Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel. Created by The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust in partnership with The Royal British Legion and Defence Recovery Capability, the company bring their real-life stories of conflict and recovery.
Using a theatrical learning environment the project offered the personnel a chance to be part of a professional theatre company, in which they would rehearse and produce a new piece of theatre based on their own experiences of service, injury and recovery. It had 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. These same service personnel perform their story on the stage.
Under the artistic auspices of patron Trevor Nunn, and with the support of project ambassador Ray Winstone, and patron Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, the Company has 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.
The play has gone on to take the West End by storm and has been so well received that it has become a full-on production, touring theatres bringing it to tens of thousands of
people throughout the UK. For those involved – single amputees, double amputees, those with brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder – it has been life changing.
The Two Worlds of Charlie F . is a piece of
dramatised verbatim theatre and as such it provides a uniquely unflinching view of conflict, injury and recovery, and the challenges faced by members of the Armed Forces and their families. It represents all those who are wounded whether in the military or in civilian life. It provides a voice to these men and women to tell their stories and aims to leave a legacy of confidence that will inspire all those involved to concentrate on what they can still achieve despite of their injury or illness.
It is a powerful way of helping the general public to understand and acknowledge the responsibility society has to members of the serving community who are wounded, injured or sick and those who are moving back into civilian life.
Ray Winstone said, “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.”
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 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.”
An independent evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the project concluded that the original project aims and intentions have been surpassed. In interviews conducted during the process and post- performance, the participants spoke of gains in confidence and motivation, feeling calmer and less angry, of building lasting friendships and gaining a valuable insight
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