Culture Theatre

Pressure at Park Theatre

Pressure at Park Theatre | Theatre review

A fascinating look at a riveting time in history – World War II – David Haig’s Pressure, directed by John Dove, is a multi-faceted production that focuses on the events of D-Day in relation to weather. Based on documented happenings, the play shows how storm predictions forced a change of the date originally planned for this historically momentous invasion.

Although 5th June was the day General Eisenhower (Malcolm Sinclair) had chosen and is reluctant to alter, after much effort chief meteorological officer Captain Stagg (David Haig) convinces him to postpone it as he predicts highly hazardous conditions – despite the insistence of his adversary Colonel Irving Krick (Philip Cairns) that the forecast for 5th June indicates blue skies and sun. Since a second dangerous weather system is also on its way, an eight-hour period between the two storms is finally chosen for the landing on 6th June 1944, when D-Day actually occurred. Meanwhile, heightening tension, Haig’s wife is about to give birth at a nearby hospital, after a previous birthing experience that was nearly fatal.

Dove’s direction is outstanding and the piece is beautifully written by Haig – heartfelt, thrilling, humanly perceptive as well as politically and historically thought-provoking – the work examines many concepts, such the costs of war. His performance as the dour but passionate and intuitive Scotsman Captain James Stagg is likewise superb. Sinclair is exceptional as an authoritarian Eisenhower. As the general’s – the British Kay Summersby – Laura Rogers is very convincing. Newcomer Bert Seymour as an optimistic young officer, weatherman and loyal assistant to Stagg is impressive. Several actors also very astutely play dual roles. Colin Richmond’s set is simple, concise but evocative, with huge meteorological maps and terrific weather effects.

Honouring Captain Stagg’s extraordinary services in the D-Day planning – which saved countless lives and altered the course of history – and his appointment of an OBE, Pressure is a moving, witty, enlightening, remarkable piece of theatre.

Catherine Sedgwick

Pressure is at the Park Theatre from 28th March until 28th April 2018. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

More in Theatre

The Merry Wives of Windsor at Shakespeare’s Globe

Sophia Moss

Girl from the North Country at the Old Vic

Antonia Georgiou

Till the Stars Come Down at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Jim Compton-Hall

Noughts & Crosses at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Ruweyda Sheik-Ali

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll at Leicester Square Theatre

Antonia Georgiou

Diamonds and Dust at the Emerald Theatre

Sophia Moss

Moby Dick at Tower Theatre

Benedetta Mancusi

Evita at London Palladium

Antonia Georgiou

Underbelly Boulevard Soho announces Fringe Fix programme for post-Edinburgh season

The editorial unit