An award-winning Edinburgh Fringe play is working to raise awareness of the mental health struggles experienced by veterans on their way back to civvy street.
Shell Shock is adapted from Kosovo and Iraq veteran Neil Blower Watkins’ novel which follows the story of Tommy Atkins. Tommy suffers from undiagnosed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and faces multiple challenges adapting to civilian life.
The play has been created in association with a number of military and mental health charities including Help for Heroes, Heads Together, Time to Change and Combat Stress. It is working to raise awareness and funds for these charities and more.
Sitcom actor Tim Marriott, who took an 18 year break to teach after appearing in shows The Brittas Empire and The Bill, will star in the one man show.
He said: “Tommy’s story is familiar to veterans, and many others, in this country and around the world.
“It is important to raise awareness of their situation. And Shell Shock tries to do that in a way that’s engaging, funny and authentic.”
As part of the Army@TheFringe programme, in association with Summerhall, the play will be performed in the Hepburn House drill hall which has been temporarily transformed into a Fringe venue.
After its run at the Fringe, Shell Shock will tour Australia and go to the Invictus Games in support of PTS, a charity founded by Vietnam veteran and Test cricketer Tony Dell.
The team will join the largest convoy of former military vehicles ever seen in Australia and will tour from Brisbane to Melbourne and arrive in Sydney to coincide with the Games.
To watch the trailer for the play click here.
The play will run at Hepburn House until 25 August. For tickets click here.
Visit the Shell Shock website for more information about the play and the charities it is helping.
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