Flare Path

Touching Tribute

Flare Path

by Terence Rattigan

Putney Theatre Company at The Putney Arts Theatre until 28^th September

Review by Heather Moulson

Despite being an admirer of Rattigan’s work, Flare Path was for me an undiscovered gem. Based on the playwright’s own experience in World War Two as a tail gunner in RAF Coastal Command, it was a story recounted in clear detail.

Set in a Lincolnshire hotel foyer in 1941, there are authentic radio broadcasts and sounds of low flying planes, as we encounter Doris, Countess Skriczevinsky leafing through a magazine and smoking a cigarette.  (Incidentally, we were told before the play that these were tobacco-free cigarettes which would probably explain why no-one inhaled.)

Doris looks good in stilettos and wartime attire, and is earthy and good-humoured.  She is deeply in love with her Polish Count – or to use his full title – Flying Officer Count Skriczevinsky, who is dashing.  He is also endearing as he almost playfully (and painfully) learns the English language.  Martin Razpopov plays the airman with sincerity and Lois Savill’s Doris has an engaging empathy.   Megan Good is excellent as the haughty and strict proprietor Mrs Oakes.

Sergeant ‘Dusty’ Miller and his irritable yet vibrant wife Maudie are good value, displaying true emotion to the turmoil that surrounded them.  The couple are played with pathos and humour by Jacob Smith and Lizzie Ireldale.  The exuberant Flight Lieutenant Teddy Graham is played by Theo Leonard.  The strains created by his situation as a pilot on many sorties, and their effect on his well-being, are revealed layer by layer as, supported by his albeit unfaithful actress wife, he confronts his demons at last. 

Peter Kyle, a fading Hollywood actor, who is welcomed coldly by Mrs Oakes, yet revered by Doris, thrusts Patricia Warren – or Mrs Graham, as she is Teddy’s wife – into turmoil.  Guy Robarts as Kyle has that movie star stance and Emma Bugg’s Patricia has the sophistication and glamour of a leading actress.  However, I couldn’t really see the passion between them but their allure was enough to draw us into their very personal story. 

The valid sound design of Nick Wells created a nice touch, a short burst of moving music when Kyle and Patricia’s affair was over.   However, despite the effectiveness of radio broadcasts, its volume occasionally drowned out the dialogue.

The endearing intrusiveness of Zachary Matcham’s young waiter Percy, and the wry humour and support of Paul Bradley as Squadron Leader ‘Gloria’ Swanson are great assets to this montage of actors, expressing the joy and dread experienced in wartime. 

Directed by Ian Higham, this piece had a very human and personal feel.  Costumes and set were well studied and designed by Simon Crump, with gentle and sensitive lighting designed by Peter Rees.  Props such as the 1940s magazines and cigarette packets were very well researched and provided by Sarah Jillings and Simon Crump. 

Putney Theatre Company’s Flare Path is a touching tribute to this significant era in history. 

Heather Moulson, September 2024

Photography by Steve Lippitt