Blue On Blue is a visceral, poignant and darkly funny play by novelist and screenwriter Chips Hardy, directed by Harry Burton.
This witty and moving drama examines the subtleties and vagaries of self-harm and co-dependency. It tackles important questions that are all too easily shied away from, relating not least to the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and ex-offenders.
Badly wounded in action by friendly fire, army veteran Moss lives in a small flat with his highly-strung nephew Carver. When Marta, a young Eastern European carer, enters their tiny world the results are as disruptive as they are well-intentioned.
Writer Chips Hardy comments, ‘Blue On Blue’ is a military term for what the media describe as ‘friendly fire’. Being hurt by friends is a desperate inversion of normalcy. Hurting ourselves, whether through delusion or other addictive behaviour, occasions a similar blend of denial and perseverance. The play investigates some of the difficulties surrounding the re-integration of wounded servicemen, and the rehabilitation of severe compulsives. These inconveniently vulnerable types are marginalised in mainstream society. Yet within their ranks an astonishing humour habitually combines with a robust insistence on eccentric self-sufficiency. Consequently the play has evolved as a dark comedy.
The cast is led by British Army veteran Darren Swift who lost both his legs in combat in Northern Ireland. Alongside him are Daniel Gentely and Ida Bonnast.
Funded by Arts Council England. Blue on Blue is supported by leading charity BLESMA and The Unity Theatre Trust. There will be a post-show discussion on Tuesday 3rd May with the charities BLESMA, Mind and Harmless.
This powerful and insightful play is produced by London-based company The Skullcap Collective.
Performance Dates Tuesday 19th April – Saturday 14th May 2016
Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30pm
Sunday matinees, 3pm
Writer Chips Hardy
Producer Eva Crompton
Director Harry Burton
Designer Emmet De Monterey
Stage Manager Alistair James Warr
MOYA Productions Caitlin Albery Beaven and Tom Miller
Moss Darren Swift
Carver Daniel Gentely
Marta Ida Bonnast
Location Tristan Bates Theatre, 1a Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP
www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk
How to get there: Tristan Bates Theatre is located in the Actors Centre on Tower Street. The nearest underground stations are Leicester Square (on the Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Tottenham Court Road (on the Northern and Central lines). The nearest rail station is Charing Cross.
Box Office Tickets are available priced £14 (£12 concessions)
Previews priced £10
Available from Tristan Bates Theatre Box Office and www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk or 020 3841 6611 or boxoffice@tristanbatestheatre.co.uk
@skullcapcollect @TristanBates #blueonblueplay
