Shell Shock: Powerful depiction of the effects of combat on ordinary soldier

A darkly comic and personal realisation of one old soldier’s battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Based on Shell Shock: The Diary of Tommy Atkins by Gulf War veteran Neil Blower Watkin, the play is adapted and performed by BBC and stage actor Tim Marriott.

The show was created with the support of military and mental health charities such as Help for Heroes and Combat Stress and presents the biographical tale of ‘Tommy’, a former soldier attempting to fit back into civilian life after a long career in the military.

Tommy’s observations on everyday absurdities are frequently humorous, sometimes violent but always poignant.

Nothing is safe… post office queues, shopping at Ikea and a Nintendo Wii all feel the full force of Tommy's outraged frustration.

Tim said: “It’s all about trauma and what that can do to people.

“But there’s an awful lot to relate to for those that have never been in the military.”

Drawn from deeply felt personal experience and performed with intense energy, it shows how PTSD at any level can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anger and depression – often leading to violence, alcohol and substance abuse, job loss, family breakdown, even suicide.

“Tommy is always saying that there’s nothing wrong with me, it’s everyone else. It’s for the people who cant self identify and don’t think they need any help.

“Mental health is such a huge thing at the moment. And the stigma for men still makes it something that is hard to talk about,” added Tim.

He said the aim is to tackle some of these topics in an engaging style with the hope sufferers and those close to them can connect with the performance and seek the help that is available from mental health and service charities.​

Tim said that the audience are encouraged to tell their story at the end of the show , where professional advice and post show counselling is available.