Pressure

                  

This was an intense and most compelling 2nd World War play very well performed by the society. It covered the crucial real life decisions made in the run up to the D Day landings and the essential, detailed and most accurate forecasts needed of the likely weather conditions on 5th June.

The minimal set was constructed by the society and was initially poorly equipped for a key strategic meteorological forecasting room. However, the addition of desks and chairs and a bank of telephones rapidly addressed the problem. Entrances and exits from the stage were good and well used. Sound design and effects were good and very relevant with aircraft noise and constant phones ringing, all on cue. Lighting was appropriate for the time with blackout arrangements in place. Costumes were mostly military and service uniforms from the society wardrobe. Constantly changing maps on the rear wall served to focus the audience’s minds on the vagaries of the Jet Stream and the British weather! Whilst the script was quite technical it was nevertheless easy to follow and there was a deal of humour also.

Inevitably the key characters dominated the script with Dave Hossack as Group Captain James Stagg rarely off stage. A dour Scottish scientist, he had a commanding stage presence and was totally single minded in his mission to produce the most accurate forecast possible. Dave had totally embraced the role and acted brilliantly throughout. He showed just the right emotion when confronted with possibly distressing personal news from hospital but remained focussed on the task of providing the most accurate forecasts possible. His tone was authoritative masking his intense anxiety and he maintained his strong Scottish accent throughout.

His “opponent” was the American meteorologist Colonel Crick. Well played by Mark Scanlon the character was the complete opposite to Stagg being rather blasé and full of his own importance. He was cavalier and bullishly confident that the American forecast was in his view more likely to be correct in part due to historical precedents that he had always been right and Mark interpreted this role extremely well! He was a charmer and certainly had an eye for the ladies! Plenty of tensions and arguments were evident between Stagg and Crick mainly because Crick failed to understand the complexities of the jet stream.

Gary Searle took the part of General Eisenhower with the enviable task of deciding which forecast was likely to be the most accurate. In the end he settled for Stagg’s forecast which led to the landings being postponed to 6th June. Gary had a swaggering and commanding presence  in this role, confident but anxious about the possible fate of “his boys”.

Zoe Bell was Kay Summersby, pivotal to the action as the secretary and chauffeur to General Eisenhower. She was confident and efficient with a strong character but showed a humane touch also. Well played.

There were a number of small parts all essential to the action and all interpreted very well. There was strong acting throughout by all the cast and I congratulate the Director, Joseph James on his thoughtful casting and interpretation of the script.

I observed that the audience were deeply engaged throughout and I congratulate everyone involved in this production.

 

 

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