Flare Path, Maskers Theatre Company,

Plaza Theatre, Romsey".

The amateur company continued its war theme with Terence Rattigan's World War Two drama.

Unlike Accrington Pals, a tale of army lads in the Flrst World War. this is the battle of the gentlemen of the RAF - all stiff upper lips and pink gins.

The sentimental and patriotic piece involves a mid- night raid on Germany from a Lincolnshire airbase and how It affects the flyers and those left behind.

Interwoven into the war story is the theme of unexpressed love that Rattigan returned to in later years.

The company's staging Is excellent. Alhough you never leave the confines of a hotel, you are aware of the action just outside the window.

Most impressive acting came from Belinda Drew and Albert Minns who made the most of stereotyped working class roles.

Notable too were Jenni Watson's countess, Chris Williams who played the Polish Biggles figure for laughs and John Carrington Jnr as Teddy.

Sue Wilkinson