On Stage: Soldier Boy

The tragic story of the youngest Australian to have died in World War 1 is emotionally brought to life in Soldier Boy playing at Melbourne’s Theatre Works.

Based on a novel by Anthony Hill, Soldier Boy tells of the death of James Charles Martin (known as Jim) at the age of 14 years nine months after he contracted typhoid while fighting in Gallipoli.

The play first tells of his upbringing in a small country town. Born into a seemingly caring and close-knit family, he loved the outdoors and his school cadets.

Like many young men of the time when the first world war broke out he was drawn to the idea of fighting for king and country overseas and was determined to join up.

His parents initially refused Jim’s request to help him however as a result of his continual threats to run away and enlist pretending to be 18, they eventually relented. This meant writing a supportive letter as parental consent was needed for anyone aged between 18 and 21 to enlist.

Amazingly, given his age at the time, no one in army recruitment questioned his age despite the consent letter.

Soldier Boy then explores his army training in Victoria, the sinking of the ship he was travelling on to the Dardanelles and then life in the trenches in Gallipoli.

Stories of that life, as described by a couple of diggers about to go on leave, are particularly harrowing and one of many emotional scenes in Soldier Boy.  Jim’s final days, as he succumbs to a shocking death as a result of typhoid, are equally painful to watch.

Much of the credit for this goes to Oliver Tapp who expertly shows Jim’s transformation from a typical enthusiastic carefree youngster to a scared, war weary and then sick 14-year-old.

The disappointment and hurt he experiences during his time in the trenches when everyone but him receives mail from home for no apparent reason ( because the family wrote often) is palpable.

His final minutes leading up to his death when he calls out for his mother are tear worthy.

Laura Iris Hill as Jim’s mother also gives a fine performance clearly demonstrating the anguish she faced in deciding to sign the consent letter.  Her character also shows a more rational approach compared to those around her who were caught up in the hype surrounding the war.

Both leads were well supported by a supporting cast including Philip Hayden, Emily Joy, Marc Opitz, Ashlynn Parigi, Charlie Veitch and Mark Yeates, who all played numerous characters throughout the 85-minute play.

Due to its very nature Soldier Boy is at times difficult to watch but for that reason effectively highlights the innocence of youth against the brutal realities of war.

Soldier Boy is playing at Theatre Works,14 Acland Street, St Kilda, until Saturday July 5.  For more information and tickets visit the Theatre Works website.

*Photo credit: Steven Mitchell Wright.

Jenny Burns attended a performance of Soldier Boy as a guest of the production company.