Bully Boy

by Sandi Toksvig

Allegations of gross misconduct plague a unit of the British army and raise challenging moral issues. In her first play, beloved comedian/author Sandi Toksvig writes with startling insight and tenderness about the minds of soldiers. The premiere marks the opening of St. James, London's first new theatre complex in thirty years.

Genres: Theatre

56 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2012

About the author

Danish/British writer, presenter, comedian, actress and producer on British radio and television. She currently presents The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4 and 1001 Things You Should Know on Channel 4. In October 2012 she succeeded Sheila Hancock as Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth.

Reviews

[Linette Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant play. I think it showed the fragility of humanity very well. That we should never be equipped, no amount of military training someone has had, to have what it takes emotionally to kill someone. Young men go off to fight these battles, barely equipped emotionally just to function, let alone with the complex emotional issues these guys face.

It highlights very well the need for better care and services and specialist advice when combatants come home. Also, the need for support when integrating back into civilian life, otherwise military-civilian lives will never begin to understand each other as they are so far removed.

Can't wait to see it.

[Patrick Neylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-crafted two-hander about a teenage soldier and an older, crippled soldier investigating the murder of a child during combat overseas.
Thankfully, Toksvig steers clear of political posturing, creating a powerful vision of cameraderie and the stresses of war.