Shellshocked by Philip Stokes
Presented by Holden Street Theatres with
Richard Jordan Productions,
412 in
association with Harrogate Theatre, LBT & Pleasance The Arch UK • Australian Premiere Feb 18 - March 23 2025
As the audience enter The Arch at the Holden Street Theatres, a recording of Richard lll’s opening monologue could give a clue to the events about to unfold in Philip Stokes’s premiere production of his intriguing play Shellshocked. In Shakespeare’s play Richard reflects on his own peacetime inadequacies and his determination to |play the villain. Director Richard Jordan sets the scene for a play of intrigue, danger and murder. That is if the deliberate choice of Richard lll’s dastardly plot is a clue to what may unfold.
 |
| Lee Bainbridge as Lupine. Jack Stokes as Wesley in Shellshocked |
On stage artist Mr. Lupine stands with his back to
the audience and is facing a large blank canvas on an easel. A young man
enters. He has come to apply for a position as the artist’s apprentice. The
ill--fitting suit matches his ill at ease demeanour. He stands awkwardly as
Lupine sidles over, edging close to the uncomfortable young man. The tension is
palpable, the proximity intimidating, the smirk and sonorous whine unnerving.
Lupine teases, cajoling Wesley to respond to his demand for specifics and
removal of the shoes. There is a tone of derision cloaked in snide admiration
in Lupine’s fawning revelation of Wesley’s bravery award on the battlefield and
local hero status. The cat gradually and with sinister motive lures the mouse
with flattery and favour into a web of confusion that exposes a darker purpose,
Stokes’ writing is gripping as twists and turns spin the young man into a
spiralling relationship of resentment, despair and bitter self-esteem. The
soldier who served and returned a hero and the artist whose polio prevented him
from enlisting to serve the country are both victims of the deadly conflict.
Stokes’ play is a testament to damage. Civilian and soldier must endure the
damage that war creates. Lupine’s denial of living a purposeful life is his
personal tragedy. Wesley’s inescapable experience on the bloody battlefield is
his.
Jack Stokes as Wesley and Lee Bainbridge as Lupine give outstanding performances. In this psychological thriller that relies on absolute conviction, perfect timing and an innate grasp of the situation, Stokes and Bainbridge give performances that chill and thrill. It is ensemble playing at its best and a theatrical treat for audiences who become totally absorbed in the performances.
This is again an example of the excellent theatre
that audiences may come to expect at Holden Street. Stokes has written a
tightly constructed thriller that will intrigue from beginning to end.
