A play performed by wounded, injured and sick Service personnel is set to begin its National tour.
The Two Worlds of Charlie F, which has already taken the West End by storm, will kick off its UK tour at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre tonight with a glittering press launch.
The production, performed by personnel of Bravo 22 Company, brings to life their real-life stories of conflict and recovery. It is backed by patrons Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards and director Sir Trevor Nunn, as well as Hollywood actor and project ambassador Ray Winstone.
Strong support
The play also has strong support from within the Armed Forces.
Corporal Philip Taber, who suffered serious gunshot wounds to his legs while serving on operations in Afghanistan in 2010, said:
"I think this production is great. I actually met some of the guys taking part when I was at Headley Court and they told me how much they had got out of being involved either on the performance side of things or as backstage technicians.
"I know from my own personal experience of talking to friends and people you meet that often people just don't realise what goes on and don't really know what it's like to be injured or wounded."
Lance Corporal Scott Yarrington, from Sutton Coldfield, who lost both legs and injured an arm in an IED incident in Afghanistan in December 2010, said he was backing the project 100 percent:
"Yes, I do think it's a good thing, though sometimes I think it's a bit strange for people who have actually been there because it brings a lot back, a lot of things you are trying to forget, but still I am giving it my 100 percent backing," he said.
"special significance"
The play was conceived last year as a unique collaboration between the Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust in partnership with the Royal British Legion and the Defence Recovery Capability.
Brigadier Gerhard Wheeler, Commander of 143 (West Midlands) Brigade, said:
"As the Army's regional commander for the West Midlands I am delighted to welcome the Bravo 22 Company to Birmingham.
"The city has a special significance for our wounded personnel, many of whom have spent long periods undergoing treatment at the world-class Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It is therefore entirely fitting that The Two Worlds of Charlie F should begin its tour here.
"When a serviceman or woman becomes wounded, injured or sick their mission changes to recovering and returning to duty, or, if that is not possible, making a smooth transition from the Armed Forces into an appropriately skilled and supported civilian life.
"We take our obligations to our wounded, injured or sick personnel very seriously and have established eleven regionally-based Personnel Recovery Units. Their role is to command the wounded, injured and sick in recovery and deliver individual recovery plans to the point where an individual is able to return to duty or transition to civilian life.
"Here they are given time and assistance to adapt to their new circumstances, including support with specialist housing, welfare and employment to assist with making the transition to the next phase of their lives.
"Much of this would not have been possible without the overwhelming support and generosity of members of the public through Service charities such as the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes. Thank you, on behalf of us all."
Star-studded
Bravo 22 Company will tour the production at the New Alexandra Theatre, in Birmingham, the Sherman Cymru Theatre, Cardiff, and the Pleasance Grand, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in August, before returning to London's West End in early September.
The play made is debut at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in January for two performances in front of a star-studded audience and received standing ovations and rave reviews.
The production's key aim is to use a theatrical learning environment to aid recovery, build new skills and offer opportunities to members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning into civilian life.
Follow the link on the right to Bravo 22 Company for information on performances and tickets.