Flare Path continues the centenary celebrations of Terrence Rattigan with Trevor Nunn’s revival of his 1942 Second World War drama and stars Sienna Miller, James Purefoy and Sheridan Smith.
Flare Path represents a different era, and Rattigan captures what is historically portrayed as being the essence of the British people during the 2nd World War. During January 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill attended a performance of the play and was quoted as saying: “I was very moved by the play. It is a masterpiece of understatement. But we are rather good at that, aren’t we.”
Terence Rattingan joined the RAF in 1940 and chose to become a tail-gunner, which is said to be one of the most dangerous positions in the RAF. During 1940-41, the various ‘sorties’ that Rattigan experienced helped to inspire him to once again write after experiencing a period of writers block, and in particular write from his own experiences and those around him. The play Flare Path was written during November to December 1941.
If you want to step back in time and take a glimpse of what it was like for some people during a very difficult period of time then go and experience the style of Rattigan.
Book Flare Path tickets online now
[posted by Louise, 31/03/2011]