On Armistice Day, Monday 11th November, London’s Palace Theatre will stage a special performance of Dreams from the Pit, in aid of the veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.
Dreams from the Pit is a new play that follows three British soldiers, Razor, Jacko and Sully, on deployment 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 troops and the difficulties some face in readjusting to civilian life. Gritty, authentic and often funny, the play aims to make us all more aware of mental health issues associated with military service.
Writer and director Emma King-Farlow bases this production on the war in Afghanistan, but has taken the title of the play from Siegfried Sassoon’s WW1 poem, Does It Matter?, a pithy appraisal of war injuries from the soldiers’ perspective. “Mental health problems among veterans, and the impact they have on the people around them, are still very hard for many people to acknowledge and talk about,” she said. “The problem has been around for a very long time.”
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 performance will go to Combat Stress.
Please visit www.nimaxtheatres.com for further information and tickets.
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