Love Survives The Venom Of The Snake
Charlie F (Marine Cassidy Little) Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann
The Two Worlds Of Charlie F.
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Until May 3rd 2014.Written by Owen Sheers
Directed by Stephen Rayne
“What do they teach us in training? Adapt and overcome.” Charlie F.
Charlie F. was to tell the audience more than just about life in the sand pit. This emotive production was going to challenge ones values about life itself. The production began life in 2010 as a theatre project for 30 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) Service personnel. After performances, and rave reviews, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, it was to go on tour in 2012. This year sees it touring both Canada and the UK again.
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Captain David Philips (Owen Oldroyd) and Sapper John Booth (Tom Colley) Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann |
The show is narrated by Charlie Fowler, who is played by Royal Marine Cassidy Little. Cassidy comes across as someone who has spent his life on the stage rather than in the armed forces as he takes command of the theatre. The bulk of the ensemble are injured forces personnel who carry their stories passionately. A collection of stories are presented from their original civilian life through training, active service, injury, rehabilitation and then back to civilian life. This included why Lance Corporal Simi Yates (Lance Corporal Maurillia Simpson) joined the forces in a desire to live at the same place as the Queen. It is difficult not to be moved, such as when they discuss the homesickness experienced when awaiting mail from home or making a 20 minute phone call. Not all injuries are physically obvious and Major Daniel Thomas (Lieutenant Stewart Hill) explained the distress of going from leading a large group into battle to being unable to organise ones own affairs any more.
The entire company are to be applauded for the way they obtained the respect of the audience rather than seeking sympathy for their wounds. It is very rare to see the whole audience rise to their feet when applauding a production but this is no ordinary show.
The Two Worlds of Charlie F is one of the most powerfully moving and emotive pieces of theatre to grace the stage in a very long time.
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Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann |
Twitter @CharlieF_Tour
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlieFTour
Website: http://www.charlie-f.com/
The show continues on tour
Newcastle Theatre Royal
28th April-3rd May 2014
08448 112121
Theatre Royal Norwich
5th-10th May 2014
01603 630000
Wycombe Swan
19th-21st May 2014
01494 512000
GuildfordG-Live
22nd-24th May 2014
0844 7701 797
Mercury Theatre Colchester
27th-31st May 2014
01206 573948
Truro Hall, Cornwall
2nd-7th June 2014
01872 262446
Manchester Opera House
9th-14th June 2014
0844 871 7660
This review was written by Stephen Oliverfor Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
This review was written by Stephen Oliverfor Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
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