Review: Pressure by David Haig at The Lace Market Theatre

After reviewing many large scale productions at large scale theatres, it’s such a treat to enter the cosy auditorium at The Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham.

It’s an absolutely charming little establishment, hidden away in a backstreet of Nottingham. This theatre definitely gives a personal touch with all of the staff being incredibly friendly and helpful – there’s a real family feel with the existing and newer patrons such as myself. With just over 100 seats in the auditorium, the production is guaranteed to be intimate and, if the name of the play is anything to go by, intense.

"Pressure" written by David Haig, and directed by Jane Herring, charts the days leading up to the D-Day landings on June 6th 1944. Rather than focus on military preparations, Haig focuses on one man, meteorologist Group Captain James Stagg, who has been brought in to decide whether it’s possible for the D-Day landings to go ahead. Too much wind and rough seas would mean there’s a risk of capsizing the landing craft. Too much cloud cover, and the dropping positions would be at risk. It’s a lot of strain for one man to take.

Malcolm Todd plays James Stagg and what a commanding presence he is. From his entrance, it is clear that Stagg takes no messing and that he is a perfectionist. Bordering on rude to Lieutenant Kay Summersby (Alison Hope) he is there to do a job, and he knows it’s an important one at that. Stagg is being asked to make a decision that could put thousands of lives at stake, using an educated guess and his years of experience and the audience can feel his fear and his anxiety emanating off the stage. Todd moves seamlessly from strength to doubt, and gives a particularly nuanced performance after Stagg receives a telephone call from the hospital – the audience knows that he has been told something life changing, but that doesn’t get in the way of the job at hand. Todd shows raw emotion, but there is no way to interpret whether the news is good or bad. Not only does Stagg have pressure at work, but also in his home life… and yet he holds it together because he knows that hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk.

As his complete opposite, Colonel Irving P Krick (Chris Sims) is a charming and confident young American meteorologist, who initially adds a little lightness to the already-tense stage, but who finds himself locking horns with Stagg. While Stagg uses the most up-to-date information on the changing weather patterns alongside his knowledge of the British weather, Krick prefers to gamble with luck, basing his thoughts on historical evidence. The audience is set up to disbelieve Krick and place our trust in Stagg, not only because of his rather cavalier attitude but also because he talks of advising Hollywood motion pictures – not quite the same level of import as ensuring the safety of 350,000 allied troops. Sims plays this part with all the (over) confidence and brashness that this role needs. The tension on the stage is at its highest when Stagg and Krick are trying to convince the other that they are right – often through screaming in each other faces. They have such opposing views that Stagg’s suggestion of a compromise seems ludicrous. Both men firmly believe they are correct and both know what’s at stake. It seems an almost impossible decision to make. The supporting cast in Pressure make the whole play very authentic with their excellent portrayals.

A decision, however, must be made, and General Dwight D ‘Ike’ Eisenhower (John Parker) is the man to make the call. Eisenhower knows that D-Day could bring an end to the war and he desperately does not want to delay; not only that but a delay could mean that the plans are discovered by the Nazis. It’s a now or never situation. Parker is very well cast into this part as a man who will ultimately feel every one of those inevitable deaths; he has the unenviable task to balancing tactics and strategy with lives. Eisenhower talks a lot, and he smokes a lot, he moves a lot – like Stagg, he is feeling the pressure and Parker connects all of these traits together with ease. Despite his relationship with Lieutenant Kay Summersby, Eisenhower seems to be emotionally cut off, which is why his monologue in Act 2 is so moving, as we get to see his true fears. Parker gives us a likeable Eisenhower, one that we can respect…right up until the last scene where we find ourselves disappointed at his treatment of both Stagg and Summersby.

As Kay Summersby, Alison Hope plays the role of the woman in a man’s world with self-confidence, efficiency and gentle humour. Summersby has incredible empathy, but she is no walk-over and will fight for what she believes in. There is question mark over exactly what kind of relationship Summersby had with Eisenhower through the war years, and this is played out incredibly well. There is a clear fondness between the two as they snatch private minutes together and a tension between the two characters that doesn’t exactly feel sexual, but more of a forbidden-companiable admiration. Like Eisenhower, Summersby tries to switch off her emotions, but we see more of her personal feelings towards the end of the play, and my heart breaks for her as she is unceremoniously brushed to one side. I fact, I feel angry at how she had been used – that’s testament to the skills of both Hope and Parker.

Set only in the forecast room, the audience is never able to escape the room, much like Stagg, and the small auditorium really helps to emphasise a feeling a claustrophobia. The set (Linda Croston) is simple, as one would expect during WW2 with a variety of different vintage props being brought onto stage to make the room fit for purpose. The ever-changing forecast maps are a real focus point of the set, and I almost feel that I can read them by the end of the play. Lighting (Philip Hogarth) is well planned and shows the transitions through four days very well. The sound design (Gareth Morris) is a highlight for me as it gave a glimpse into the outside world, a world that we were not able to explore being only privy to the action in the forecast room. As the main characters gather at the window to watch the planes take off on June 6th (not June 5th as initially planned), the sound of the planes give me actual goosebumps. It is a poignant moment.

Most of the audience would be aware of the background of the D-Day landings, so the end is not a surprise. The landings were delayed by one day and thousands of lives were probably saved because of the tenacity of one man who had courage in his own convictions. I was fully engrossed in the play from start to end, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I learnt a lot. The play could be accused of being repetitive as the characters go round and round in circles in louder and more frantic tones, but for me this is a realistic portrayal of desperation to get it right.

As a lesser known play, especially in comparison to Haig’s other war drama "My Boy Jack", people may not be flocking to buy tickets, but this is a real shame. Jane Herring has done a wonderful job of presenting a play about human nature, the cost of war, the impact of decision making, heartbreak and family at a time when war once again has hit Europe. It is a timely reminder to us all of the worth of human lives and how people will fight for what they believe in.

I would love to see a packed Lace Market Theatre for this production moving forwards (playing until Saturday 14 May), as that’s what the play, the actors and the crew deserve. This play is definitely one that will stay with you, and therefore not to be missed.

Read the original article here.

"Pressure" by David Haig
Nottingham Lace Market Theatre

The play centres on the true story of Captain James Stagg and Operation Overlord, in particular the weather-forecasting for the D-Day landings and the tensions between Dwight D. Eisenhower, James Stagg and Irving P. Krick.

It is set in 1944 at Southwick House, the headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force in the 72-hour period leading up to the launch of Operation Overlord. Group Captain James Stagg is the chief meteorologist who, having studied weather patterns in the North Atlantic over a period of many years, is advising Dwight D. Eisenhower that, despite a prolonged heat wave, weather conditions will suddenly deteriorate sharply on D-Day, and that the massive task of landing 150,000 soldiers in occupied France should therefore be postponed.

American celebrity weatherman Irving P. Krick forecasts another calm sunny day. But Stagg is convinced that a storm is coming. Under the most intense pressure, both personal and military, Stagg seeks to persuade Eisenhower that his forecast of events is correct.

And Christ on a mountain this play is good. I love plays that educate me as well as entertain me, and this play did both, especially with the slow build-up of pressure in Act One and then the accelerating story-line in Act Two.

Pressure takes on several scenarios in this story. Be it the actual air pressure which would cause the inclement weather, or the pressure put on Stagg to get the prediction correct. And then there's the pressure Stagg feels due to his wife about to give birth, along with the back story to that as well. Throughout the play you can feel the slow increase of pressure emanating from the stage.

Alison Hope (Lieutenant Kay Summersby) played a blinder of a role as Summersby. This character is one that keeps all the balls up in the air, a juggler, looking after the needs of Eisenhower and creating just the right environment for Stagg to work in, all the while fetching and carrying, making endless cups of tea, running errands for both men, and going that extra mile to make sure that everything runs smooth. And she is a competent mechanic as well. She is the human side of the play, and you really feel for her when she is overlooked at the end. Alison is one actor you cannot overlook and was just a dream to watch perform.

Malcolm Todd (Group Captain James Stagg). There is a line in the first part of this play where Summersby asks him if he ever smiles, as he is bossing her around and complaining of the lack of facilities in his office. In Act two we all get to see that smile, and even a laugh as he relaxes when the pressure is finally released and all is well in his world. Like all the actors in this play that I have seen before, I found myself looking past the actor and seeing just the character they were playing, and that to me is a sign of great acting. And the Scottish accent never slipped once.

Chris Sims (Colonel Irving P Krick). Again, the accent was brilliant. there could be a tendency to "overdo" an American accent, depending on the state from where the accent is for, but not once did this happen with Chris. Another wonderful performance, and like Stagg, Krick shows a lot of passion shown; once I even expected the two characters to come to blows due to the passion, but that's yet another sign of that pent up pressure rising to the top, and then simmering.

John Parker (General Dwight D. 'Ike' Eisenhower). Now this character can shout! But then again, he has the licence to do just that, he is Eisenhower. there is an array of feelings displayed here, and especially at the end when my jaw literally dropped when he dropped the bombshell on Summersby. I won't say what the bombshell was, you'll have to go and see what happens yourself! John struck just the right note with this powerful man, who himself would have been under pressure with the lives off all those men in his hands.

Colin Treliving (Electrician / Admiral Sir Bertram 'Bertie' Ramsay). I actually took more notice of the electrician role with this dual role, and didn't actually realise that it was Colin who was playing the Geordie electrician. there were bits during this role that seemed to have lengthy gaps in the speeches, but then I realised that, although the electrician liked to chat, he was also concentrating on the job in hand; which was to wire in two additional phones. I did smile to myself though when he said that he had to get the right line, which may, or may not be heard in the rest of the performances. As Bertie though Colin showed authority of a higher level, in complete contrast to the lowly electrician. I've always enjoyed Colin's acting talents and this is no different.

The remaining cast consisted of John Halstead (Flight-Lieutenant Andrew Carter), Sue Drew (Lieutenant Diana Battersby), Fraser Wanless (Commander Colin Franklin / General 'Tooey' Spaatz), Jack Leo (Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory), Nick McCaffery (Captain Johns) and Stephen Herring (Corporal Hamilton). All excellent in their respective roles.

Directed by Jane Herring, who by the way has assembled an amazing cast for this show. She managed to get the pace just right to create anticipation of the outcome of the story and the build up of pressure. Production Manager is Peter Konowalik.

The set was designed by Linda Croston and possibly one of my favourite sets at the Lace Market Theatre. It was as if you had discovered a room that had been locked up as a storage place for a while. The walls were crumbling and incredibly basic, but it looked so right for the story and the era.

I looked to see if there was a name credited for the props because I imagine that, with the number of props used in this play, it would have taken a lot time of searching for everything. Barometers, bottles, tea cups, chairs, a fold up bed, tables, typewriter, phones, books, files, waste bins, charts, letters, stationery. I tried to count everything up but lost count there were so many and all appropriate for the age the play was set. Someone has worked amazingly hard to get everything together for this one.

I must also mention the incredible charts to update the weather movements they had on the wall. They were massive and so intricate, and you can see that a lot of knowledge and thought had gone into creating just one, never mind the five separate weather charts that were used.

The lighting is designed by Phillip Hogarth and the sound design is by Gareth Morris. As you'd expect, the sound and lights were both very natural, especially the sounds of the wind, tiles smashing, early morning nature sounds, telephone bells etc etc and all cued to perfection. The lighting showed us the different daylight, end evening hours so we could put ourselves in their particular time zone, as well as a frightening airplane explosion just away from the open windows.

The costumes are courtesy of Hazel Salisbury and as I'd expected were of the finest military regalia, again taking us back to the time depicted by the storyline.

I am going to be really picky here because there would be one thing that I would add to this play. Not to worry, it's only a small thing, but was something that I had expected but did not materialise. When we could see that the storm that Stagg had predicted correctly was building up, Krick went to the open full-length windows with a chart or a paper and to show that the wind was really getting up, the paperwork was swept from his hands. But there was no movement in the lace curtains, no draught, nothing. I'd have loved to have seen a fan from the wings blowing those curtains to make it look like that wind was getting up to storm level.

There was so much attention to fine detail in this play, which really brings a reality to the performance. the drink in the cups; you could not see the drink, but you heard it, and even when Summersby and Stagg were having breakfast of scrambled egg, there on the plate was scrambled egg which both characters ate. A sign of a wonderful Director to make sure that things like this are all in place.

I'd never seen this play before, but I'd gladly see it again. The story is exciting and gripping, and whoever says that the weather is boring, needs to come and see "Pressure". Educational and exciting and I shall never look at the weather people on TV in the same light again!

I've grown used to expecting excellence from the Lace Market Theatre, and this cast and production team did not disappoint.

Read the original article here.

Ann Currie

10 May 22

Had the pleasure of watching 'Pressure' tonight. Absolutely superb! That is all!

Jenny Scott

11 May 22

Saw last night. Really enjoyed it. Well done to all involved.

Jim Brooks

13 May 22

Just need to say thank you to all the cast and crey off Pressure. It really is the Lace Market Theatre at its best. Interesting and ultimately a moving play. Please get yourselves a ticket. This will be talked about for a long time.

Julie Sumner

13 May 22

First visit for a while. Came to see Pressure. Excellent production and highly recommend you don't miss this.

Anon

13 May 22

GO SEE THIS SHOW! You will not be dissapointed. I watched this evening and cannot say enough about how superb it is. A great play, fabulous cast across the board and great direction. If you can bear to pull yourself away from Euriovision do. ONLY 2 SHOWS LEFT!!!

Anon

14 May 22

That was a superb performance last night. It's so good - you really need to watch it today for theor last two performances. Fantastic cast and crew. And I saw so many friends there. Such a lovely theatre, it feeels like home.

Kathryn Edwards

14 May 22

It was absolutely brilliant. Blistering performances!!

Nik Hedges

14 May 22

Congratulations to Jane, her brilliant cast and crew for a great piece of theatre. Not to be missed!

Laura Chambers

14 May 22

There are still seats available for this tonight (It’s the beginning of the end!) It’s an excellent production. Congratulations to everyone involved

Anne McCarroll

14 May 22

I saw it last night and it was great

Sarah Taylor

14 May 22

Quality performances. Backed by a fantastic support team. So lovely to see friends and enjoy the evening. Well done Jane. Faultless.

Max Bromley

14 May 22

I know lots of things have been on today. Lots of footie and Eurovision. But you would be lucky to have a better night than I have had. Congratulations to everyone involved in PRESSURE. A SUPERB NIGHT. THANKYOU