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Inspiration • September 1st, 2026
|A gripping new play is set to make its way to Yorkshire this September, bringing a powerful story about the aftermath of war to local audiences. Shellshocked, written by award-winning Leeds-based playwright Philip Stokes, is part of the Red Ladder Local programme, which seeks to make theatre accessible to everyone by staging performances in community venues.
About Shellshocked
Shellshocked tells the intense story of Wesley Hepton, a young soldier who returns home after serving in the Second World War. Struggling with the trauma of his experiences, Wesley finds himself in a world that is just as challenging as the battlefields he left behind. To help support his family, his mother submits his art portfolio to a well-known painter, Mr Lupine, hoping that Wesley can become his apprentice.
Philip Stokes's play Shellshocked (credit Craig Lomas).
Shellshocked is heading to Yorkshire this summer. (Credit Craig Lomas)
Shellshocked, a play by Philip Stokes.However, the interview does not go as planned. Upon arriving, Wesley encounters a different kind of madness that threatens to unravel him completely. The play explores themes of mental health, loyalty, and the desire to create art in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Performance Details
Audiences in Yorkshire will have the opportunity to see this two-person drama at the following venues:
Queen’s Mill, Castleford - September 11
St John’s Parish Hall, Staincross, Barnsley - September 16
These performances are part of a broader effort by the Red Ladder Theatre Company, which has been bringing theatre to non-traditional venues like pubs and community centres since 2015. This approach aims to make great theatre both affordable and accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy quality performances.
Critical Acclaim
The Scotsman, the play has also been labelled “tantalising… a real character-driven drama” by the British Theatre Guide, and even called “nothing less than a triumph” by Fringe Review. These reviews highlight the play’s engaging storytelling and the depth of its characters.
Philip Stokes expressed his excitement about the play, stating, “It’s an incredibly intense cat and mouse thriller with unexpected twists. It’s about mental health and oppression but more than that, I hope it's just rollickingly good entertainment.” His previous work, LASH, was a hit with audiences two years ago, making the anticipation for Shellshocked even greater.
Accessibility and Audience Guidance
With a focus on accessibility, Alice Barber, the programmer for the Red Ladder Theatre Company, emphasised the importance of making theatre available to a wide audience. She noted, “Our Red Ladder Local programme is all about making great theatre both affordable and accessible.” This commitment to inclusivity means that more people in Yorkshire can enjoy the transformative experience of live theatre.
It is important to note that Shellshocked has an age guidance of 14+, as it contains discussions of PTSD, suicide, and references to the war. Additionally, the play includes a prop gun and gunshot sound effects, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. This content transparency allows audiences to make informed choices about attending the performance.
