Title: Shellshocked
Duration: 70 Minutes
Synopsis: A heroic, young, and shellshocked soldier, Wesley Hepton returns home from the trenches. To help support the family, his mother submits his art portfolio to painter Mr. Lupine. Wesley attends an interview to become his apprentice. But on arrival, he encounters another kind of madness that threatens to push him to destruction as he discovers the ulterior motives behind the artist’s palette. A gripping thriller, Shellshocked explores the horrors of those who served and the horrors of those who did not. It explores loyalty, relationships, and the desire to make great art.
Cast: 2
Awards:
Winner: Adelaide Critics Circle Award 2025
Nominated: Holden Street Theatres Award 2024
Selected for Brits Off Broadway Season, NYC, 2025
Selected Press:
‘Stroke of genius creates a masterpiece. Superb acting, impeccable timing, a brilliant combination of psychological tension with comic release, and an examination of what makes great art place Shellshocked firmly within that category.’ The Adelaide Advertiser
‘Philip Stokes has written a satisfying and complex play about the frustrations of creative expression, the depths of jealousy and the potential for the broken spirit to recover from the worst of experiences.’ The Scotsman
‘A rich tapestry of emotional and psychological tension. A stunning and compelling play.’ Theatre Weekly
‘Tantalising... A real character-driven drama, beautifully played and with an almost unexpected outcome.’ British Theatre Guide
‘Nothing less than a triumph. It is dramaturgically superbly structured, the script sharp and layered, the direction measured and subtle.’ Fringe Review
‘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.’ Glam Adelaide
‘Clever writing on the page and utter brilliance on the stage. This is superb art.’ Stage Whispers Australia
‘The dialogue is mercurial and often cruel. It is also satiric and grimly funny — a mix of Pinter, Joe Orton, and even a dash of Alan Bennett. And the performances are terrific.’ InDaily
‘The emotion and passion displayed here is so raw, so desperate, that it leaves us stunned. Shellshocked is a powerful, soul-stirring play that confronts the horrors of war and the dangers of obsession.’ Fest Magazine
‘This psychological thriller relies on absolute conviction, perfect timing, and an innate grasp of the situation. It is ensemble playing at its best and a theatrical treat for audiences. Stokes has written a tightly constructed thriller that will intrigue from beginning to end.’ Canberra Critics Circle