Shellshocked – Leeds Playhouse

When a shellshocked army veteran walks into an artist’s studio it starts a dark game of cat and mouse that ends with a really neat twist.

Wesley has survived the horrors of World War II and desperate for work as he recovers from his PTSD he seeks a job with local artist Mr Lupine, who seems determined to humiliate his wannabe apprentice at every turn.  But just much abuse can damaged hero Wesley take?

Philip Stokes directs his own words, setting his compelling two hander that has echoes of Anthony Shaffer’s Sleuth in his native Leeds. Over a tense 70 minutes he offers a mediation on the nature of war, loss, honour and what it takes to be a great artist rather than a mediocrity like Lupine.

Lee Bainbridge takes a break from his day job as the Playhouse’s Building Manager to play the aptly named Mr Lupine complete with a really creepy and whiny Leeds accent. It is a selfless performance as the repressed and frustrated Lupine is a nasty piece of work, who Bainbridge gradually reveals is not half as clever as he thinks he is.   

It’s astonishing that Jack Stokes as Wesley is untrained as he brings a real depth to the callow soldier with pain visibly flicking across his expressive face as Lupine verbally tries to break a lad who has seen the worst that man has to offer. He cleverly manages his character’s gear changes, and it is remarkable that after a series of award winning one man shows this is first time working with another actor.  Twenty year old Stokes is certainly a young talent to keep an eye on.

Brian Morrell’s sinister score really adds to the tension, and the final twist in this battle of wills is both cleverly done and believable. Lee Bainbridge also runs King Brilliant Theatre who are one of the producers, and they are dedicated to offering a positive platform for working class artists. It is really refreshing to watch a show that offers a really authentic working class voice, which sadly is all too rare in theatre these days.

Shellshocked might be dark, and more than a bit creepy, but it packs a lot of emotional depth and loads of ideas into just over an hour.

Shellshocked is in Bramall Rock Void, Leeds Playhouse until 8th February. Age 14 plus.

It’s also on at Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre from 11th to 12th February, Box office 01484 430528.

Reviewer: Paul Clarke

Reviewed: 6th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: