Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
26 June 2024
In the run up to Armed Forces Day, Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) is reflecting on its work with current and former service personnel in the city as part of its Our Space programme.
According to the most recent census, there are 18,279 residents within Plymouth who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces, the second largest number within a city in the UK.
TRP established Our Space in 2009 which works with adults experiencing multiple disadvantages. The creative programme uses drama as a tool to build confidence and reduce isolation, whilst learning theatre skills in a fun and supportive environment. Giving participants access to drama workshops and theatre productions, it also supports them with volunteering and training opportunities and provides a space for people to build positive social networks with others who have similar life experiences.
Thanks to funding from the Veterans Foundation, TRP was able to pilot an Armed Forces specific programme which launched in November with Battle Cry; a heartfelt play about the life of a former soldier experiencing flashbacks and addressing the causes and consequences of PTSD. The play was written by Matt Fox, a local playwright, and as well as playing in The Drum, Battle Cry was also performed to veterans from Hasler Company in HMP Channings Wood, a rehabilitation unit based at HMS Drake for wounded, injured and sick in service. Continuing its work with Hasler Company, TRP developed a six-week programme which provided insight into the various roles within theatre, including backstage, design and construction, and explored the potential transferrable skills from the military.
Alongside this, TRP has been delivering two 10-week drama courses in partnership with Veterans Outdoors which uses the Our Space methodology to shape the sessions and provides individuals with free, regular and meaningful arts activity to give them a sense of purpose and contribute to recovery and rehabilitation.
In May, Our Space partnered with The Drive Project, a company delivering storytelling and creative projects, to offer a three-day intensive programme working with the armed forces community to develop confidence and find their voice. The week culminated with the group performing their personal stories to friends, family and the wider TRP community.
Becky Ormrod, Our Space Programme Manager, said: “As a military city, Plymouth has a wide range of services supporting veterans and their families and those who are long-term wounded, injured or sick. The needs of those who have served, and their families are vast, so it is great that the theatre is able to offer a creative space for our Armed Forces community.
“Our Space participants are eager to share their stories and have their voices heard, which is very much the direction in which we want to take the group.”
One veteran-turned-thespian is former Royal Marine, Tip Cullen, who, as well as an actor, is now Assistant Practitioner for Our Space. Tip spent more than three decades as a Mountain Leader on operations in forward reconnaissance and as an instructor in mountainous and cold weather environments. After returning from Afghanistan, Tip joined the reserves and began a three-year acting degree at Plymouth Marjon University before beginning his role with Our Space in January.
Tip said: “For people that have physical or mental vulnerabilities, it’s so important to see them come alive again and tell their stories and feel secure enough to open up. Our Space really delivers that. It gives them a hunger to improve and move forward, not only in the performance world, but in life.”
Our Space provides individuals with regular and meaningful activity, giving their week a focus and purpose, which contributes to recovery and rehabilitation. The programme uses drama as a tool to play, offering people opportunities to escape their reality and to connect with others which helps develop a sense of self, build resilience, teamwork that can then be transferred into everyday life.
Listen to Tip Cullen’s full story: https://youtu.be/0VRItUJm_PM or find out more about Our Space: https://theatreroyal.com/ourspace.
As part of the 21st celebrations of TRP’s Production and Learning Centre, TR2, service personnel and veterans will be involved and perform in The Key. Any veterans interested in taking part, can email ourspace@theatreroyal.com.