FLARE PATH

Malvern Festival Theatre

(The Original Theatre Company & Birdsong Productions)

Olivia Hallinan & Leon Ockenden

 Often, it isn’t until you experience something that you haven’t experienced for a long time that you realise what’s been missing. The superb level of characterisation in The Original Theatre Company’s latest offering, Flare Path, bucks the trend for casting actors in roles similar to themselves. Casting Director, Anne Vosser, and Director, Justin Audibert, have done an excellent job in selecting a stellar cast of truly talented performers, capable of developing a depth of character, emotionally and physically, that is lacking in many productions these days.

Flare Path is based on the playwright, Terrence Rattigan’s real life experience as a tail gunner during World War II. Set in 1942, it tells the story of actress, Patricia, whose loyalties to her RAF pilot husband, Teddy, are challenged by the unexpected arrival of her lover, Hollywood screen idol, Peter Kyle. At a time of such uncertainty, when life and death were constant bedfellows, the desire to make the most of every minute fuelled passions and left reason out in the cold.

Alastair Whatley & Olivia Hallinan

Leon Ockenden is perfectly self-absorbed and shallow as the movie star, while Alastair Whatley is magnificently heroic as the considerate yet vulnerable Flight Lieutenant. Olivia Hallinan delivers a masterclass in characterisation with her phenomenal portrayal of the love torn, Patricia Warren. Her homage to the silver screen goddesses of the late 30s is immaculate and captivating. Philip Franks is adorable as Squadron Leader Swanson and Stephanie Jacob is simply hilarious as the matter-of-fact boarding house owner, Mrs Oakes. Siobhan O’Kelly gives a wonderfully understated performance as the Countess whose constant resolve to remain forever hopeful and positive in adversity is heartbreaking. Adam Best is charming as the Polish Officer, James Cooney is great as the peppy bartender and Simon Darwen and Shvorne Marks are extremely likeable as the down-to-earth cockney couple. Final credit goes to William Reay and Holly Smith as the supporting cast. Final accolades have to go to Voice and Dialect Coach, Tim Charrington for his incredible contribution.

This is an emotionally evocative play that gives a real insight into a time we hope to never see repeated. This production is a triumph and well worth seeing. It runs at Malvern festival Theatre until Saturday before carrying on tour.

5 stars