A UNIQUE show is coming to The Salberg at the Salisbury Playhouse from Thursday, October 23, which combines the dark world of a war correspondent with song and dance.

War Correspondents is a bizarre blend of emotional testimony and light-hearted music but according to Chris Stephen, who has reported on conflicts for over 20 years for the Guardian, the unexpected mix created a powerful show.

He was interviewed at length by the writers of the play and his testimony provides an integral part of the performance.

He said: “To watch the show is both emotional and surreal. All of the characters remind you of a time you were out in Bosnia or Iraq.

“It is very odd that they managed to capture it.

“What’s interesting is it portrays how you are sometimes thrown into situations with people who are not always your friends.

“This whole splintered feeling, it is actually very authentic the way that everybody has to share tables and computers. I was sort of impressed that they did it because they have never been out in the frontline.”

One aspect for Chris that the theatre or films can never portray is the noise that is created by an exploding shell or a mortar.

He said: “It is quite different from a film because you can never get the sound right, it is a lot louder and is just an incredible noise.

“On TV the sound just doesn’t come through.

“There is such confusion when you are on the frontline.

“It is slightly unreal because it is like watching a film because you are either whacked or you are not and if you are not whacked then you have had a perfectly healthy day.”

Chris has reported in Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Libya during his career but he believes that his work has become more dangerous with militants now targeting journalists who work in conflict zones.

He added: “It really has changed, out in Bosnia you might be whacked but nobody was out to get you. I think when Marie Colvin was killed it became a lot more dangerous.

“I have been shot at, shelled, mortared, avoided a minefield and taken prisoner. I try not to go looking for it these days but because frontlines are so fluid now you end up kind of running into it.

“You come across a body and five minutes ago they were alive and you think blimey that could have been me. Some days you just sit there and think if I get out of this then I will never go back but of course you do.”

War Correspondents plays in The Salberg for just three days from Thursday, October 23 to Saturday, October 25.

For tickets or further information contact the box office on 01722 320333 or visit salisburyplayhouse.

com.