Bomb Happy marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day and brings to life first hand accounts of five Normandy veterans. It toured in 2017 and generated many excellent reviews
These are ordinary lads who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Veterans Ken Smith, Ken Cooke and Bert Barritt will come to Edinburgh with the cast.
Ken Cooke, aged 93, saw part of his frontline service as a member of the Highland Light Infantry. He says: “We are delighted to be accompanying the actors to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to mark the 75th Anniversary, and are hoping to attend several of the performances if we can.
“We enjoy meeting with audiences after the show and having the opportunity to talk with them about our experiences.”
Ken Smith, 94, adds: “When the idea for a play using our memories came about back in 2016 we never thought we would still be here for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day to see it performed at the Edinburgh Fringe!”
The powerful production follows the five veterans’ journeys during the historic landings which was one of the bold moves by the Allies in World War Two.
Bomb Happy takes its name from a term the veterans use to describe PTSD – a condition that still impacts on the lives of Ken Cooke and Ken Smith 75 years later.
Playwright Helena Fox believes the play resonates with contemporary issues facing society.
She says: “The play not only documents the events of D-Day and beyond through the eyes of these young men, but opens our eyes as civilians to the human story behind each fighting soldier.
“This allows us to better understand the enormity facing the returning soldier – from World War II or more recent conflicts – in trying to transition back into civilian life. How can he or she fit back into the day to day life of Civvy Street after everything they have seen, or been through?”
- Venue: Army@The Fringe, Hepburn House (Venue 210)
- Dates: 13 to 25 August
- Previews: 13 to 15 August
- Time: 13-15 & 20-22 Aug at 14:20. Then 16-18 & 23-25 Aug at 15:40.
- Duration: 70 mins
- Ticket prices: £8.50 to £11
- Box office: 0131 560 1581 and https://festival19.summerhall.co.uk/events/army-the-fringe/
- Advisory: Ages 12+
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