PRESSURE

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D-Day’s fate hangs on one forecast

by David Haig

Directed by Michael Seeley

D-Days fate hangs on one forecast

Prepare for an intense theatrical experience with ‘Pressure’ by David Haig.

Set during a pivotal moment in history, this gripping production follows the high-stakes decisions of a weather forecaster during World War II. An intense real-life thriller centred around the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare.

June 1944. One man’s decision is about to change the course of history.

Everything is in place for the biggest invasion ever known in Europe – D-Day. One last crucial question remains: will the weather be right on the day? Problematically there are two opposing forecasts. American celebrity weatherman Colonel Krick predicts sunshine, while Scot Dr James Stagg, Chief Meteorological Officer for the Allied Forces, forecasts a storm. As the world watches and waits, General Eisenhower, Allied Supreme Commander, must decide which of these bitter antagonists to trust.

As tensions rise and destinies hang in the balance, witness the captivating battle of wits, choices, and the weight of responsibility.

An extraordinary and little-known true story, David Haig’s play thrillingly explores the responsibilities of leadership, the challenges of prophecy, and the personal toll of taking a stand.

As 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings don’t miss this timely, thought-provoking and suspenseful play that explores the human side of wartime strategy.

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

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Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1FN

CAST & CREW

Cast

Lieutenant Kay Summersby – Elli Lake

Dr James Stagg – Read by Michael Seeley*

Andrew Carter – Ben Ionoff

General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower – Phil Reynolds

Colonel Irving P. Krick – Dave Crossfield

Naval Meteorologist (Lieutenant Battersby) – Kieran Brehany

Admiral Bertrum ‘Bertie’ Ramsay / Electrician – Brian Goredema-Braid

Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory – Des King

General ‘Tooey’ Spaatz – Graham Buckingham-Underhill

Commander Franklin / Captain Johns – Trevor McClay

Secretary – Padua Eaton

Crew

Director – Michael Seeley

Production Manager – Corrina Jacob

Set Design – Michael Seeley

Set build led by – John Ellam

Prompt – Vicky Whitehill

Lighting – Nigel Elliott / James Harris

Sound and Projections – Dik Thacker

Props – Maurice Smith

Wardrobe – Emily Tuff and Rosie Gowers

Publicity – Sharon Sully

* Please note the role of James Stagg was read by Michael Seeley as David T Mears was unfortunately indisposed.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

When the opportunity to direct David Haig’s ‘Pressure’ came up I jumped at the chance. This is not only a story about what makes our weather what it is – something I studied at university in the 1980s. The pressures in this powerful piece of theatre are not only the highs and lows of atmospheric pressure and the weather they bring, but also the intense pressure that those planning the D-Day landings were under. They had just one chance at this almost exactly 80 years ago, and everything had to be right including the weather. The correct final forecast was key to success.

But this is not just a story of high stakes, tension and disagreements. It is also a moving human story about how real people coped with the pressures of war. There are even some lighter moments too – it is truly a play that will make you laugh while bringing a tear to your eye.

I am very lucky to be supported by a wonderful cast and crew that includes no less than five Talisman directors. We have a great mix from those relatively new to the stage to those with over 50 years experience of successfully bringing a script to life.

This play has all sorts of pressures for the actors and crew including over 40 sound cues! I hope you will agree that the team has risen to the challenges. So sit back and get rapped up in this compelling piece of theatre as we tell the story of the D-Day weather forecast that changed history.

Michael Seeley