Plaza Theatre, Romsey
on8th to 11th February 1989
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 First 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
| The Players | |
| Peter Kyle, Film Star | Chris Williams |
| Patricia Graham, His former sweetheart | Hillary Meikle |
| Mrs. Oakes, Hotel Owner of The Falcon Inn | Jean Durman |
| Percy, The young barman | Simon Wild |
| Flt Lieut. Graham RAF, Husband of Patricia | Johnny Carrington |
| Polish Count and RAF pilot | Ian Morley |
| Rear Gunner Dusty Miller | Albie Minns |
| Maudie Miller, his wife | Belinda Drew |
| Sqdrn-Leader Swanson | David Bartlett |
| Countess ?, Cockney wife of the polish pilot | Jenni Watson |
| For the Maskers: | |
| The Director | Fran Morley |
| Stage Manager | Angela Barks, Julia Campone and Fran Morley |
| Lighting | Ron Tilyer and Anthony Baldery |
| Sound | Tony Lawther, assisted by Geoff Grandy and Georgie Bance |
| Set design | Mike Wharf |
| Set construction | Roger Lockett, John Riggs and Mike Wharf |
| Historical Advisor | Douglas Coates (formerly coastal command) |
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