Review: Flare Path
Flare Path is a story of romance and drama. Set in a hotel close to an aerodrome at the height of war in 1942, actress Patricia is staying to be close to her husband, a pilot in the RAF, however when her ex-lover, Hollywood idol Peter Kyle makes a surprise visit her marriage is tested to it’s limits.
Also staying at the hotel is Doris, a barmaid who is married to a Polish Count, who is also a pilot, and Mrs Miller the wife of a rear gunner, who is visiting her husband for the night.
All is going swell, until an unexpected mission over Germany puts the ladies in the middle of an emotional rollercoaster… Will their husbands return from this very dangerous mission?
Those that do make it home, have secrets of their own, changing life forever.
Flare Path is a fantastic stage production full of drama, but sprinkled with just the right amount of humour. A strong cast pulls the action together beautifully and the wait for their men to come home really stuck a chord with the audience.
All of the action takes place in the hotel lounge, which has a large window to the rear. It is here that the characters can see the flight path and count the aircraft back home. This coupled with some great sound effects and you could easily be fooled to thinking that there really were aircraft overhead.
Flare Path is a stunning piece that stays true to the period. It will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh, but overall it will bring you a real sense of the emotion and hardship that war brings.
Flare path will be at the New Wolsey Theatre until Saturday 24th October. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
– Wendy Cook – Ipswich24 Magazine –
Pictures Jack Ladenburg