Pressure

Pressure at The Talisman. Photo by Robert Warner.

Pressure

Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, Monday 15 April - Saturday 20 April 2024

Review by Ashley Hayward

In this country we often seem obsessed by the weather. It’s one of our favourite topics of conversation with us sometimes making our own ill-informed predictions. Back in the summer of 1944, however, getting the forecast correct can never have been as important.

This play is about the build up to the Normandy Landings when the Allied forces launched a massive seaborne invasion which led to the liberation of France and eventually to the end of World War 2. The operation was planned and supervised by General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower and crucial to its success was that the weather was good and the seas were calm.

Decisions to be made. Photo by Robert Warner.

Phil Reynolds gives a very convincing performance as the General who has to make a decision on which many lives and the future of Western civilisation will depend. To make this decision he will need to consult with meteorologists but the advice he receives is contradictory.

Group Captain James Stagg, the Chief Meteorological Adviser to the Allies persuades Eisenhower to change the date of the invasion as he predicts stormy weather and treacherous seas. (Due to an actor being indisposed the part of Stagg was read by the Play’s Director, Michael Seeley, and I’m sure he could have done without this extra pressure!)

Stagg’s American counterpart, Colonel Irving P. Crick vehemently disagrees with this forecast and predicts blue skies and tranquil seas. Dave Crossfield plays the supremely confident and optimistic Colonel and what follows is a battle of wits between the two experts.

The play’s themes include leadership, responsibility, conflict and decision making under intolerable pressure.

The script contains much discussion about technical matters involving weather maps and charts but it also has its lighter moments with some very tastefully performed comedy elements including an entertaining performance from Brian Goredema-Braid as a very chatty and over inquisitive electrician.

We also observe some sensitive interplay between Eisenhower and Lieutenant Kay Summersby (Elli Lake) where we discover that she is more than just a driver and PA to the General.

The pressure on Stagg was immense as Eisenhower initially has far greater trust in Stagg’s American counterpart but Stagg sticks to his guns even though the pressure was becoming even greater with his wife about to give birth to their second child.

Dr James Stagg (Michael Seeley), General ‘Tooey’ Spaatz (Graham Buckingham-Underhill), Secretary (Padua Eaton). Photo by Robert Warner.

With very authentic costumes, well-orchestrated effects and slick scene changes (accompanied by a soothing symphony) the play gives a real insight into a little known story behind a momentous event.

It is my understanding that it had only been possible for Michael Seeley to read the part of Stagg at two rehearsals and it must have been a real challenge to assimilate all the moves and try to act whilst having one eye on the script. It must also have presented additional difficulties for the rest of the cast to interact with him. However, the cast manage to overcome these challenges and still provide a highly enjoyable and thought provoking production.

For tickets go to: https://talismantheatre.co.uk/