PRESSURE 

by David Haig

Production Dates 7th to 15th February 2019

Director Carol Hunt

Assistant Director Christopher Cook

Audition Notice: Sunday 13th October 6pm

It’s June 2nd 1944. The clock is ticking down. In 72 hours, 350,000 troops are to cross the Channel in operation Overlord. The fate of the 350,000, the future of Britain, Europe and the United States rests on one single weather forecast.

David Haig’s story is about the unsung heroes. Packed in its tightening isobars are the personal battles and pressures of responsibility that weigh heavily on those who must make the decisions. Two meteorologists with different forecasts. One General whose decision is about to change the course of history.

Dr James Stagg – Chief meteorologist for the Allied Forces

A Scotsman, mid 40’s, dour, brusque and initially not easy to warm to but his integrity and tenacity will capture the audience as the play progresses. Scottish accent. Audition pages 20 to 23 plus 45 to 47.

Colonel Irving Krick – Chief meteorologist for the United States Armed Forces

Late 30’s. Confident, smart, charismatic. The first celebrity weatherman. American accent. Audition pages 20 to 23 plus 59 to 61.

Flight-Lieutenant Andrew Carter – from the Met Office.

Young enthusiast and immediately likeable perhaps a little effeminate. Excited to be working with the well-respected Stagg. Efficient. On the ball. Audition pages 7 and 8 plus 83 to 85.

Lieutenant Kay Summersby – Eisenhower’s chauffer and unofficial aide and confidante.

Late 30’s. Attractive, vivacious, loyal and capable. Her close relationship with Eisenhower becomes apparent as the story unfolds. Possibly a slight Anglo-Irish accent. Audition pages 70 to 75.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike) – Allied Supreme Commander with sole responsibility for the D-Day landings.

Mid 50’s. A heavy smoker. He walks with an occasional limp from a knee injury. He has a more relaxed ‘American’ style than his British contemporaries but he is nobody’s fool. Fair, respected. A married man who must deal with his feelings for Kay. American accent. Audition pages 45 to 47, 72 to 75 plus 96 and 97.

The following roles are doubled:

Lieutenant Battersby/Captain Johns

Age 30s. Keen, efficient. Audition pages 87 to 89 (Battersby). Pages 106 and 107 (Capt. Johns).

Commander Franklin/General ‘Tooey’ Spaatz

Mid 50’s. Spaatz is sceptical of Stagg’s forecast and inclined to trust Krick who he has worked with before. He displays nervous energy. Believes D-Day should go ahead as planned. American accent. Audition page 33 to 37 plus 79 (Spaatz). Pages 87 to 89 (Franklin).

Electrician/Admiral Bertram Ramsay (Bertie)

Early 60’s. Electrician. Stolid, chatty. A wonderful cameo role. Audition pages 27 to 29. Bertie. Level, realistic. Voice of reason. Audition pages 33 to 37 plus 79.

Air Chief Marshall Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory

Early 50’s. Serious, considering. Dignified. Audition pages 33 to 37 plus 79.

Naval  Meteorologist

Young. Smart. Keen. Audition pages 8 and 9.

If you would like more information on the play in general or any of the roles please call:

Carol Hunt 01797 260898