Falkland's War veteran Simon Weston OBE is taking to the stage at the Epsom Playhouse on Friday (October 2) for the first time ever to tell his no holds barred story.

Simon will share shocking truths about the confilict and the day RFA Sir Galahad was attacked, leading to his horrific injuries, and the impact and consequences it has had for his life.

What made you decide to tell your story in front of a live audience?

I wanted to know if people wanted to hear my story and it turns out they do. It’s really going to be fun for me and it’s a great idea. I’m looking forward to the tour as I enjoy being on stage so much. I really never thought I’d do this in my life so it’s a massive privilege for me. I could never have predicted that I’d have my own tour, my own stage show – it’s incredible.

What can audiences expect?

A lot of honesty. A lot of humour. A lot of frankness. It’s my story, my life. That’s what it is. Told in a sincere, funny and frank way. I really hope people will be entertained by it and will find it interesting as it’s my look on my life and my experiences to date.

You’ve been known for your sense of humour, why do you think it’s important when telling your story?

If I was just to tell Falkland’s story, it would be very dark, very sad. I don’t just want to tell the sad, mad and bad. The reality of life is when everything around you is going to hell and back, people need to say funny things. The situation becomes easier to deal with. We’ve all laughed when we shouldn’t, people laugh at funerals.

How do you feel about revisiting certain periods of your past?

Parts of this show I’ve never spoken about before. That’s what makes this show really exclusive. Some parts I will always find difficult to revisit.

The thing with this show is that it has to be honest, it is what it is. Some of it hard, some of it funny, honest and frank.

How did you feel about being voted Britain’s Most Heroic Figure last year?

Slightly bemused and very honoured. It’s a lovely award to have bestowed on you. I didn’t expect it at all. The thing is I didn’t get anything off the back of it (no advertising contracts!) I still have to queue in the fish and chip shop, I still buy my own beer…I didn’t get anything off the back of it [laughs]. No it’s a real honour and I’m very proud of it. 

 

 

 

How do you feel about being an inspiration?

That is a really hard question. I take great strength in that. The way I’ve lived my life always takes me aback, I didn’t set out to be an inspiration to anyone. It’s odd but inspiring others really helps me. I should maybe stop being so humble, I’m a motivational speaker!

Simon Weston’s My Life: My Story is at Epsom Playhouse on Friday. Tickets cost from £14.50 to £16.50. Go to epsomplayhouse.co.uk or call 01372 742 555 or 01372 742 227.