Holden Street Theatres are known for bringing some incredible pieces of theatre to town for the Adelaide Fringe. This year’s season is no exception. Shellshocked is a brilliant production that looks into the mind of a returning WWI soldier as he tries to start a new life, whilst dealing with loss and trauma caused by war.

Shellshocked follows a conversation between eccentric artist Mr Lupine and Wesley, a young soldier who has returned from war and is looking for a job. Lupine has carefully planned this conversation and what unfolds over seventy minutes is a story full of manipulation and exposing vulnerabilities of both men.

The pace of the dialogue is excellent. It moves when it needs to push the story forward, but the actors draw it out at other moments, pulling the audience in and allowing them to hang on every word. The use of silence in key moments of dialogue is executed perfectly.

Lee Bainbridge, playing Mr Lupine, is simply brilliant. His characterisations never falter, especially in maintaining his limp (brought on by polio when Lupine was younger). Every mannerism is well thought through and his expressions say so much, when no word is said at all.

Jack Stokes, as the broken returned soldier Wesley, builds his character perfectly. His emotional arc grows throughout, building the tension magnificently to a snap in temper. The PTSD that Wesley carries is sensitively and believably portrayed by Stokes. 

Philip Stokes’ direction is well thought through. Every detail and mannerism has been carefully considered. Stokes’ script brilliantly shines the spotlight on how society used to treat and ignore veterans’ mental health when returning from war. It also makes you stop and realise how far we have come, but how far we still have to go to protect the mental health of veterans. Talking and not holding it in is important, as Shellshocked truthfully showcases. 

Shellshocked is a powerful and emotion-packed piece of theatre. The exceptional acting and thoughtful direction make this one of those shows that lingers in your mind long after you leave the theatre.