Our Boys by Jonathan Lewis
Directed by Stephen East
Auditions: 10th, 11th & 12th July, 2011
Performances: Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th November, 2011, Bell Theatre
1984. Five young soldiers, among them veterans of the troubles in Northern Ireland and the Hyde Park bombing who are killing nothing but time in a military hospital with TV, games, pornography and cynical humour as their only means of mental escape. Tensions arise however when a young officer is billeted with them ... and then the fighting really starts. Fired by the author’s anger at the Army’s neglect of its wounded heroes ‘Our Boys’ is explosively funny, perceptive and surprisingly tender. The play is fiercely current in the wake of accusations of poor equipment of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It won the Best Fringe Play Award from The Writers’ Guild for its author Jonathan Lewis.
Characters
Trooper Joe Morgan – is a Private in the Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry. He is 24. He has been in hospital on and off for much longer than any of the others – eighteen months. Joe is a victim of the Hyde Park bomb. He suffered extensive injuries as a result of the explosion, and is currently undergoing treatment for a recurring blood infection. This has so far resulted in the amputation of the middle finger on his left hand.
Ranger Keith Malone – is a Private in the Royal Irish Rangers. He is 24 and a Protestant from Belfast. He has been in hospital for just over a year complaining of pains in his right leg. They cannot find out what is wrong with him. His right leg is stiff but he refuses to use a wheelchair or crutches, preferring to hobble or hop.
Potential Officer Oliver Menzies – is 23. He has been sponsored by the Army through school and university. The regiment which he hopes to join is the Coldstream Guards. Just before entering Sandhurst he is found to have pilunidal sinuses. The operation is not a serious one, but because it is at the base of the spine it is uncomfortable and requires at least two weeks bed rest in hospital after surgery.
Rifleman Ian Cribbins – is a Private in the Royal Green Jackets. He is 21. He was shot in the head in an IRA ambush. He has recently emerged from a four-month coma, and is suffering from all the symptoms of a prolonged time without the use of his muscles. He is learning to everything again. His speech is slurred and his movement very slow.
Gunner Michael Speedy – is a Private in 40 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. He is 22, and has been in the Army for two years. He has to undergo a circumcision, because of recurring infections under his foreskin.
Fusilier David Parry – is a Private in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He is 23. He was a boy solider, joining the Junior Leaders when he was just 15. He has had to have his toes amputated because of frostbite. They managed to save both big toes, so there is a possibility he may retain enough balance to walk to stay in the Army in some capacity.
Please note ages are provisional.
Please note that although anyone may audition for a show at the South London Theatre, if cast you must be (or become) a member of the club. Proof of membership will be required at the first rehearsal. Membership information can be found here
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the play, auditions or rehearsals, please don’t hesitate to contact Stephen East, Director
| 
