Mettle

Written and performed by Nicholas Collett. Directed by Gavin Robertson. In May 1993, Nicholas Collett was in his home town of Sheffield, celebrating his parents’ golden wedding anniversary. His father Gordon was a veteran of the Atlantic Convoys, serving on the destroyer escort, HMS Vanessa. Previously silent about his experiences, he told his son about the dangers he had faced. After his death in 2018, Nicholas used his father’s service records to uncover some extraordinary details, which made him reconsider his father’s life - and their relationship. These stories, together with a dramatic soundscape and music from the 1940s, form Mettle: a solo-play which commemorates those who served, those who were lost, and those who lived to tell their story. In association with the Daparian Foundation - committed to those on trauma journeys, supporting veterans and blue lights personnel.