After completing a successful tour in support of Australian mental health charity StandTall4PTS we are back in the UK working on plans for a full UK tour over 2020/2021.
Update: Due to the pandemic all live sessions in theatres and festivals are currently on hold. Please check back for updates!
SHELL SHOCK LIVESTREAM EVENTS
“There’s nothing wrong with me – it’s the others!” After a long service career, Tommy Atkins attempts to return to ‘normal’ life…after all he’s seen, civvy street will be a breeze, right?
Shell Shock is a highly entertaining piece albeit with a serious message. Join us for a live screening of the vlog-style film of the award-winning theatre production and have the opportunity as audience members to interact with a dedicated live expert panel, all of whom work within organisations who provide care and support for those in military communities and beyond.
This event is brought to you by Shell Shock Media CIC in partnership with NHS Armed Forces Networks: Sussex, Kent & Medway, SSAFA and Changing Minds Changing Lives. It is supported by The National Lottery Community Together Fund.
After the screening the expert panel will be open for questions via our chat system and dedicated moderator, with a focus on the impact these topics have on family members and carers. Any questions unanswered will be dealt with offline and the facility for further offline conversation will be available for those who may require it.
“A palatable and hope-filled insight into suffering and isolation… A very important piece of work to support mental health.” – Integra awards
We are proud to announce that our next panel will be featuring some very familiar and experienced names in the world of mental health, the military and veteran community, families and carers. We welcome Diane Palmer, Jo Jukes, Jane Burt and Becky Crichton.
For more information and free registration, please visit the link below –
https://www.crowdcast.io/e/shellshocklive/
EVENT WARNING
This performance contains adult themes and strong language which some might find offensive. It also features flashing lights, loud sound effects and scenes which some may find upsetting or disturbing. It may also impact those who have experienced traumatic memories.
Shell Shock is one soldier’s story of coping with the mental health issues which can lead to diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tommy Atkins’ observations on life on civvy street are poignant, frequently comic and always moving. His over-emotional responses to post office queues, a trip to Ikea, his relationships and family lead to alienation and anger.
Trauma does not have to mean PTSD in the most severe cases imagined. At any level it can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anger and depression – often leading to violence, alcohol and substance abuse, job loss, family breakdown and even suicide. All these topics are covered in the production with the hope sufferers or those close to can connect and identify with the performance and seek help which is available from service charities for all the military community.
Drawn from personal experience, Neil Watkin’s writing is “affecting, vernacular and direct” (Herald), The performance is “deeply engaging and haunting“. The story, adapted from the original novel Shell Shock: The Diary of Tommy Atkins, written under the pen name Neil Blower highlights the work of forces charities such as Combat Stress and Help For Heroes.
Shell Shock is adapted from the acclaimed novel available from Amazon here.
“This had me back there. It had me in stitches. It had me remembering phrases that civvies would think gobbledygook. It had me angry. It had me in tears. If you do nothing else after reading this book, point it in the direction of friend who’s showing one or more of the behaviours described therein. Give them the chance to continue living to tell their tale.“
Serving military mental health nurse.
You can view a trailer for Shell Shock by clicking the link below
See tickets and tour for full details of current showings.