Blesma is supporting a hard-hitting play that’s due to open in London’s West End and a Member has the starring role...

Darren 'Swifty' Swift is about to star in Blue on Blue, a play about a double amputee written by Chips Hardy, the dad of Hollywood star Tom Hardy, and funded mainly by The Skullcap Collective. Blesma spoke to those involved about why this is a production every Blesma Member should see…

DARREN SWIFT PLAYS THE PART OF MOSS

There are some surprising parallels between being in the Armed Forces and starring in a play. Sure, the former is a lot more dangerous, but the levels of adrenaline involved in both can be curiously similar. “There’s a lot of waiting around, interspersed with short periods of extreme activity,” says Darren ‘Swifty’ Swift, a Blesma Member who was blown up in 1991 while serving in the British Army. “And the nerves you get before a show are like being on ops. Once you go out, there’s no going back!"

I really like this play, there’s lots of rapid-fire conversation, and it’s my biggest role to date

"I got into acting as an extra – I’d often crop up if a show needed an amputee. I’d say to any Blesma Member thinking Start with a bit of am-dram and see if it’s your cup of tea. I’ve never had any formal training, but I would recommend it. I have struggled a bit with understanding elements of direction and what certain things mean in theatre. “A military background helped me to act. I was used to speaking to a group, and there’s an inner confidence that many soldiers have. But it also works in reverse; getting injured is a huge shock that can knock your confidence. Acting – standing up and talking in front of people – has been a great way for me to rebuild that. “You need to be put yourself out there and take some knocks as an actor. I’ve definitely failed at more auditions than I’ve succeeded at. And on stage, there’s no safety net. That’s what makes it exciting.”

CHIPS HARDY WRITER

“I originally wrote Blue on Blue for my son Tom and his friends, who put it  on with their theatre company. I wanted  to give a voice to people who’d had  a cruel blow of fate. The main character Moss, is a double amputee living with his nephew, Carver, who’s a burglar. People with tough lives often have an incredible sense of humour, and that’s also true in the Services. My mum was in a wheelchair, so I understand some of the banalities of disability. The play had to be a comedy. “I’d certainly encourage Blesma Members to think about writing their own stories. They have a unique perspective. And there are great opportunities to get plays staged. The Arts Council is very supportive, and there are lots of great companies who, if you write to them with good material, will do their best to put a piece on. If you’ve got an idea, go for it.”

DANIEL GENTELY PRODUCER, PLAYS THE PART OF CARVER

“Getting a play to the stage can be a long process. I first spoke to Chips two years ago. I tried to get various fringe theatres interested in Blue on Blue, but despite getting positive responses, we never quite managed to get the funding there. Eventually, Blesma decided to get involved. It’s a really good way to keep the charity in the public eye. Funding for the show was not going to stop me getting it on stage. I love the play and was wholly determined to find a home for it. “The first time I met Ian Waller from Blesma, he said; ‘I know the perfect guy for the lead role!’ I raised my eyebrows, but when I met Swifty, it was obvious he was made for this. I didn’t want to cast an actor with a blanket over his legs! “We’re trying to reach out to people who don’t come to the theatre often. It’s going to be on in central London, it’s not too long, and we’ve got discussions with the cast and Blesma afterwards. The challenge for us is to do a great play justice.”

HARRY BURTON DIRECTOR

“I like a play to transport me to another world – I want to come away feeling like I’ve been given an insight and taken on a journey, using characters who are fully realised through good acting, directing and design. This play is a great example of that, and the audience is going to have an intense experience.

Swifty is the best actor possible to play the part of Moss. His character is going through some things that Blesma Members will understand. He’s an ex-squaddie who has lost two limbs, and he’s facing some problems.

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Ticket Information

Tuesday 19th April - Saturday 14th May 2016

Available from Tristan Bates Theatre Box Office and www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk or 020 3841 6611 or boxoffice@tristanbatestheatre.co.uk

Note: The language used in the play may offend some people