Article by: Natalie Thomas
Interview & video by: Chris Baker
TRP Stories: Nick Martin
Nick Martin, 69, joined the Royal Navy the day after his 21st birthday and served for nine years. An incident in the Falklands War left him with traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as survivor’s guilt and after leaving the Navy, Nick admits to ‘switching off from life’. 12 years ago, he was diagnosed with PTSD and six years ago he sought solace with Help for Heroes. He’s now a member of the TRP Armed Forces Choir.
Nick said: “By reaching out to Help for Heroes, I became a member of the Band Of Brothers and was surrounded by like-minded veterans. An opportunity arose to sing with Gareth Malone’s Invictus Games Choir and I’d made a promise to the shipmate that saved my life, that I would take the first opportunity that came up – so I joined! It was the best thing I ever did. There was no judgement, it was just good fun and took us to gigs around the country.”
Nick sang with the Kaiser Chiefs at Twickenham and performed at the Royal Albert Hall which was played on Classic FM. He then took a break to concentrate on art and writing.
It was earlier this year that he was contacted about the TRP Armed Forces Choir and went along to see what it was like. Nick continued: “When I first joined a choir, I knew nothing about music. I still can’t read music, but I now know how to use my voice.
“I’m really enjoying the TRP Choir. We don’t just sing, we have fun. I know some of the other members from previous workshops, which is nice. There’s something quite comforting being around other veterans. They’re the most non-judgemental group of people because we’ve all had experiences of some sort, whether it’s shared places we’ve been or people that we know. It’s like being part of a massive family regardless of which service you were in.
“For me, being in this choir is all about confidence and self-esteem. Being a part of this group, and any group where I do an activity with other veterans, I feel a lot better about myself.
“When I switched off from the world, I stopped socialising completely and everything I did was on my own. This is my way to reintegrate with human beings. I’m not all the way there, but I’m getting better and experiences like this help no end.”
The TRP Armed Forces Choir, funded by Welsh National Opera, will perform on the main stage on Armed Forces Day at 3pm.
The choir is open to individuals currently serving, veterans and immediate family members over the age of 18. No singing experience is necessary. Choir rehearsals will take place on Thursdays, 7- 9pm at TR2. For more information, click here, or email OurSpace@theatreroyal.com.
Watch Nick’s video: