It’s the weekend before D-Day in 1944, and Dr James Stagg has been drafted in to a military base to advise General Eisenhower on the weather conditions for the landings. Unfortunately, Eisenhower’s own adviser, Krick, doesn’t agree with Stagg’s forecasts, and if Eisenhower decides to listen to Krick, Stagg fears that he could be putting the lives of thousands of men in danger.
A play based around a weather forecast doesn’t sound very exciting but this play successfully managed to maintain the tension, despite the audience having an idea of what the eventual outcome will be. It’s a relatively new play, first performed in 1914, and written by the actor David Haig, who also plays Stagg. It’s evident throughout that Haig has done thorough research while writing the play, and although for a few minutes in the first half I did briefly wonder whether it was just going to be discussions about jet streams for two hours, I was quickly proven wrong as the plot and characters began to develop.
The set was relatively simple, a large office space with maps being rolled up at the back of the room to show the latest forecasts. There were also balcony doors which were used effectively to convey the changing weather conditions, and the blackouts at night. Haig, as well as being a talented playwright, was excellent as Stagg, a little bossy and abrupt at times but also extremely sympathetic when he worries about his wife who is in labour. Malcolm Sinclair also gave a strong performance as Eisenhower, as did Laura Rogers as Kay Summersby, Eisenhower’s chauffeur.
It was great to learn about a little known true story, particularly in a well written pacy play.
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