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A gentle and moving account of the crew of a Wellington Bomber and their loved ones during WWII, reminding us with humour and dignity of the reality of life in front line combat. Summary
Rating
Excellent
Flare Path opens with a woman dozing languidly in a chair as a man confidently approaches the front desk to ring the reception bell twice, sharply. Finally awoken by the sound, Doris, also known as Countess Skriczevinsky (Lois Savill) springs to her feet and gasps in recognition at the stranger who is a famous actor Peter Kyle (Guy Robarts). It is her admiration and support for Kyle that persuades Mrs Oakes (Megan Good), the haughty hotel proprietress, to offer him a room.
A single set piece, with era appropriate fixtures and fittings, all the play’s action takes place in the communal area of a hotel located next to a RAF Bomber Command airbase in Lincolnshire during WWII. Written by Sir Terence Rattigan in 1942, himself a RAF tail gunner, the plotline follows Kyle’s efforts to rekindle his relationship with Patricia Warren (Emma Bugg) and persuade her to leave her husband, Flight Lieutenant Teddy Graham (Theo Leonard), alongside the daily lives of those living at and visiting the base: the crew of a Wellington Bomber and their wives.
The script is powerful and nuanced, with humour used well and impeccably balanced. Despite many laugh out loud moments, there is no endless repetition of gallows humour and any mawkishness that could occur from the ever present threat of tragedy is averted.
There is strong acting throughout with the two leads (Robarts and Bugg) excelling. The scene where Patricia is reintroduced to Peter in particular is exemplary: Peter silently gazes at her whilst the others unknowingly chatter around them. Patricia – clearly rattled, hiding her surprise at his appearance – continues to act as if she barely knows him. The tension is palpable.
Whilst the love triangle sits at the centre of the story, we are also afforded glimpses into the lives of two other couples. Both more complex than first glance would suggest, they reinforce the complexity of emotions experienced by all involved in front line combat.
This really is a lovely, gentle, absorbing piece that touchingly illustrates the vulnerability of the lives of Wellington Bomber crew members and how it shapes those around them. The set, the sound of the crackling wireless and the smell of the constant cigarettes create a visceral and nostalgic reaction in the spectator. The attention to detail throughout all aspects of the production has created something quite powerful and the ending is not obvious.
In a world where performance form is often toyed with, or a famous ‘star’ needed to sell seats, it is reassuring that a traditional play, supported by an excellent script and strong ensemble, without gimmicks, can still be incredibly powerful. Per ardua ad astra.
Directed by: Ian Higham
Written by: Sir Terence Rattigan
Set & Costume Design by: Simon Crump
Flare Path plays at Putney Arts Theatre until 28th September. Further information and booking details can be found here.
