Soldier On, a new play by soldier turned actor turned writer and director Jonathan Lewis, is set to capture the hearts – and minds – of audiences in the region

SOLDIER On is a new stage play written by soldier turned actor turned writer and director Jonathan Guy Lewis about what happens when a company of ex-soldiers becomes a company of actors - a theatrical band of brothers.

Although it’s not a cure-all, the bonding, the humour, the theatre of war helps to put them back together again as a company of veterans and actors rehearse a play about a company of veterans and actors. Although worlds apart, they begin to realise there are more similarities between military life and the theatre than they bargained for, building a powerful new world of their own.

In a production combining storytelling and dance, a passionate group of individuals – many of the Army veterans – will bring to life hard-hitting, poignant and close to their own hearts experiences.

It’s their words that do the talking in what one veteran, film-maker Neil Davies, has named ‘the Full Military Monty’. The play, through its humour, warmth and searing honesty, will undoubtedly entertain audiences and lay bare many shocking and sometimes heart-warming truths.

Most importantly, Soldier On will put every cast, crew and audience member in touch with some very real and often disturbing facts of life about the world in which we live – specifically Britain in 2018.

Here are heartfelt words from the people who are making this special theatrical event happen.

Lewis, says,: “Having been an Army Scholar, invalided out of the Army and then playing Sgt Chris McCleod in two series of ITV’s Soldier, Soldier back in the 1990s, I think it’s safe to say that the military and the themes that arise out of serving Queen and Country are never far away from me. And now more than ever we need to support the thousands of people who’ve served and returned – to validate and affirm them, in a world that seems to be turning upside down.

“We now have much more of an understanding of the existence of PTSD than we ever did, so how do we get better at moving beyond knowing and acknowledging to creating opportunities for veterans to process these complex emotions in a positive and life enhancing way. I’ve written Soldier On for exactly this purpose – to create a piece of theatre that can sit alongside the other great creative work that is happening, that is both entertaining and cathartic for its actors and its audiences.

“The ancient world knew all about the horrors of war. After a battle was fought, traditionally the survivors would make a big fire, stand around it and talk about their experience of the fight. They would create a shared narrative which helped to process the trauma and bring the warriors together. The modern warrior, even with support networks, often feels isolated and neglected, and on returning to the communities from whence they came there is a disconnect. No longer needed. Surplus to requirements. Soldier On is my contribution to help warriors with the daily battles they face on their return.”

Amanda Faber, who produced the work for The Soldiers’ Arts Academy: “I have been working with injured veterans and their local communities since 2012 to explore the ways in which the arts can facilitate transition and recovery for returning service personnel. Often PTSD can take years to surface and the impact it can have on the lives of the soldiers and their families is profound. Soldier On by Jonathan Lewis is a brilliant play – funny and honest and heart-warming. The cast includes veterans working alongside civilian actors and the plot revolves around a group of injured veterans putting on a play.

“The Solders’ Arts Academy is launching a seven-week national tour in Spring 2018 to raise awareness of the difficulties currently faced by around 66,000 veterans injured mentally and/or physically or those experiencing transitional difficulties.

“The tour will also bring the clear message to local communities that the arts can provide a viable alternative to sport as a recovery route. The tour will also announce a national initiative called ‘Art Force’ which will aim to encourage veterans to build art hubs where they can get together with their local community and into work. The tour will be accompanied by workshops for veterans and schools.”

Cassidy Little, e, who lost his leg in Afghanistan but battled back to reinvent himself as an actor, said: “Like rehabilitation, the arts are always moving forward. New ideas complement old ideas and fresh ideas revitalise dated concepts. I am so pleased to continue my recovery in a project like Soldier On, created by the Soldiers’ Arts Academy, allowing me access and opportunity with actors, writers, creators and like-minded people on a similar path of recovery.”

Shaun Johnson, Army Veteran, added: “Soldier On is an excellent opportunity for the audience to spend time in our REAL world. This play gives us a voice to highlight physical, mental or transitional challenges often faced when leaving the military.”

Soldier On, York Theatre Royal Studio, April 4-7. Evenings 7.45pm, Mat Thurs 2.30pm and Sat 2pm

Tickets £14.50. Concessions available (including veterans and serving forces personnel and their families)

Box office 01904 623568. http://yorktheatreroyal.co.uk