A compassionate look at the devastating after-effect the First World War on its young soldiers, adapted from Pat Barker’s Booker-nominated novel, comes to Richmond Theatre this October.

Regeneration, adapted for the stage by Olivier award-winning playwright Nicholas Wright, tells the story of poet and soldier Siegfried Sassoon, institutionalised in 1917 in an attempt to undermine his public disapproval of the war.

Sassoon’s influence on his army psychiatrist leads the doctor to become tormented by the morality of what is being done in the name of medicine.

Starring Jack Monaghan, Luther’s Stephen Boxer and Simon Coates of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Regeneration promises to examine the insanity of war with shocking clarity.

Monaghan, who plays Billy Prior, the play's only major character not based on a historical figure, says: "I read the book that the play is based on a few years ago and Billy really jumped out at me.

"He’s a working class officer, which was very rare at the time, and a fascinating mix between two worlds with this great dry wit.

The Black Mirror actor says the biggest challenge personally was portraying his character's mental disorder.

He says: "It’s very different from playing someone with a physical disorder. You have to be very respectful when playing the part.

"We had a serviceman come to talk with us who had served in a warzone, and hearing him speak about his experiences really brought home to us the sensitivity of the material.

"We're talking about serious issues faced by so many people that are so difficult to discuss."

  • Regeneration; Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond; October 27 to November 1, 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinees on October 29 and November 1; £10-£28.90; call 0844 8717651 or visit atgtickets.com/richmond.