Flare Path

Flare Path

The Woolgathers

14/3/25

‘Flare Path’ is a moving story of love and loyalty, courage and fear, based on Terence Rattigan's own experiences as a tail gunner in the Second World War. The action is set in a Lincolnshire hotel lounge in the autumn of 1942: it's where the RAF pilots and crews hang out before and after their raids on Germany.  Patricia, an actress, and her RAF pilot husband Teddy's marriage is tested when Patricia's ex-lover, Hollywood star Peter Kyle, arrives, forcing Patricia to confront her feelings and loyalty.

Peter Kyle (Elliot Kinnear), an ageing Hollywood star, has turned up in the hope of reclaiming the one true love of his life, the recently married Patricia (Alex Wharton). She reconnected with Peter in London and now plans to tell Teddy she is leaving him, but she is annoyed by Peter's unexpected arrival at the hotel. She is, however, faced with a conflict. Who needs her more Kyle, whose career is on the skids, or her pilot husband, Teddy (Jace Clark), whose breezy manner conceals hidden doubts and fears.

Also present at the hotel are the proprietor, Mrs. Oakes (Cheryl Bullen); Percy (Evan Dunn), a young waiter who is fixated on RAF operations. Teddy's tail gunner Sergeant ‘Dusty’ Miller (Michael Webster) is awaiting his wife Maudie (Dominique Peach), who is late. Maudie only has a short time off from the laundry where she has had to work since the war began. Count Skriczevinsky (Lee Crosbie), a polish pilot, despite his poor command of the English language joined the R.A.F. to fight the war against Germany. His wife Countess ‘Doris’ Skriczevinsky (Fiona Williams) worries about what will happen when the war is over and he is able to return to Poland. Soon after everyone has arrived, Squadron Leader Swanson (Graham Wood) summons the men back to base for an unscheduled night operation, and their wives are left behind to await their return. Swanson, who is affectionately called Gloria by Teddy, remains at the hotel. The continuing drama is played out against the background of a bombing raid which doesn’t go according to plan.

Director Adam Stubbs admits he was blown away by the characterisation of this Terence Rattigan classic when he played Swanson at a University production. He chose his cast well, specifically the three wives. The hotel lounge set was well furnished for the 1942 era, with a set of steps leading to the bedrooms, leaving adequate space for the activity to take place. The large window cleverly displaying the activities in the skies above the aerodrome, with great use of sound and lighting. The R.A.F. airmen looked splendid in their uniforms, with the three ladies charming day dresses for the era. I have to give particular mention to the hair styling which was excellent. I feel I need to mention Patricia’s evening attire, an added pair of baggy silk trousers, maybe flatter shoes would have been more appropriate for 1942, the actress having to adjust it whenever sitting on the sofa. As a hotel proprietor Mrs Oaks very full skirt was too short for both her profession and the era. Now you may think that petty but with costume it’s the small things sometimes.

As the residents gather in the lounge they wait to hear news of a particularly dangerous nighttime raid, will all the crew make it back in one piece?

Doris keeps an upbeat, positive exterior while waiting anxiously at the window to track the journey of her Polish pilot husband. Joined at the window by Patricia, she sympathises saying ‘you have never been to one of these do’s’ knowing she is only visiting Teddy. Maudie who takes the war and its consequences in her stride, ‘there’s a war on, and things have to be a bit different, and we have got to get used to it; that’s all’ so down to earth. Good performances here from three talented actresses Squadron Leader Swanson gives the news that Teddy and Dusty are back safe, however Count Skriczevinsky is reported missing.  Doris’s almost childlike excitement on hearing her husband’s love letter read by Peter was a highlight, realising how much he loved her, it was so emotional, as she was facing his possible death. Lovely performance. Peter realises the power of war and comradeship; he realises he has lost Patricia and quietly leaves, lovely exit Elliot.

I enjoyed the supporting roles of Percy (Evan Dunn), the young barman who was always excited about the airmen and their missions. Industrious Mrs Oaks keeping everyone safe, Squadron Leader ‘Gloria’ Swanson (Graham Bond) was one of the most moving, a role with so much feeling when he said ‘My God, we do owe these boys something, you know’.

All at the hotel are joyfully surprised by the return of the Count, whose long and eventful journey back is the cause for celebration as the curtain falls

This was a challenging play, the complexities of love, loyalty and courage of people during wartime. I really enjoyed the production, very pleased for Adam Stubbs you did good.

Thank you for inviting me, a great evening of live theatre, looking forward to your next production.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.