Review – THE TWO WORLDS OF CHARLIE F at the Forum Theatre, Malvern, from Monday, March 31 to Saturday, April 5, 2014.

THIS humbling and haunting semi-documentary about men and women caught up in modern day warfare is truly inspirational yet in another way it is also disturbing.

Focusing mainly on the current conflict in Afghanistan, where in the past two hundred years British forces have three times been forced to withdraw from the battlefield, as have Russian troops, there’s a lingering question about whether it is all really worthwhile.

Looking at lost limbs, scars both physical and mental, that question was repeated over and over in this fascinating two-hour tribute production.

This is even more relevant as events are acted by a company which includes eight service personnel who sustained injuries not just in Afghanistan, but in Northern Ireland, Iraq and in training. They perform, along with seasoned actors, with great enthusiasm and considerable skill.

The language is strong, blunt and to the point. Much of what is said is often ‘in your face’, but there are softer moments which allow you to reflect on the sacrifices made by young men and women called to war.

It’s a powerful drama played out in a series of tableaux which blend well as the soldiers reveal what made them join up, how they were injured and how they have struggled to cope since with their various problems. It’s not been easy for any of them but shining through in full measure was their pride in fulfilling their duty – especially their care for their comrades in arms.

Probably the most poignant moment of the evening came when Major Daniel Thomas, played by Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Stewart ‘Benny’ Hill, explained how he had gone ‘from commanding hundreds of men to being unable to command myself’. He was injured when a piece of shrapnel from an improvised explosive device tore into his brain.

Appearing in this production has improved his life significantly, helping regain his motivation, desire and appreciation of life. And that’s probably true for the rest of the military members of the cast who have been medically discharged.

A sprinkling of humour helps pull everyone back from the brink of despair – including the considerable value of wearing ‘blast pants’, and several excellent musical numbers also offer salvation.

There’s heartbreak but also hope, all of which provided a riveting performance fully deserving of its standing ovation. Another hope is that attendances will grow as the week goes by as this emotionally raw production really deserves to be seen by more.