Falklands remembered in special theatre show (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Falklands remembered in special theatre show

7:00am Sunday 3rd March 2013 in News

A SOLDIER’S Song, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, is set to hit Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre on Friday, March 8.

The show was one of the hits of the 2012 Edinbrugh Festival and is a true story of conflict told by a guy who was there, bringing the battlefield to the stage.

The conflict lasted only two months, but Britain’s victory arguably saved Margaret Thatcher’s premiership and secured Conservative supremacy for 15 more years, but left hundreds of soldiers with the deep scars of war.

Ken Lukowiak was there – a lowly infantryman in 2 Para – at the beach landings at San Carlos, the famous pitched battle at Goose Green, the death of Colonel H Jones, the sinking of the Galahad in Fitzroy, and at the liberation of Port Stanley.

A decade later, suffering from post traumatic stress, he penned his memoirs and they were published in acclaimed article for the Guardian Weekend Magazine in 1992 from which he was commissioned to write his book – A Soldier’s Song.

In 1998, Guy Masterson adapted the book for the stage and toured the show globally over three years to widespread acclaim. Now, 12 years on, Lukowiak himself will now take on the role of his life and tell his own story.

Deeply disturbing and frightening at times, the show utilises a pounding, totally authentic multi-directional soundscape.

It is also extremely funny, the dark “squaddie” humour offsetting the darkness. There will also be a discussion with Ken Lukowiak.

Tickets are £13 and concessions £11. They can be booked by visiting www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or by calling the box office on 01245 606505.