Flare Path – Compton Players

by Terence Rattigan

5th – 6th December 1957

At the Falcon Hotel on the Lincolnshire coast, men from a nearby RAF airbase are planning to spend the weekend with their wives. Patricia Graham, an actress from London, has something to tell her husband Teddy, who is a bomber pilot. The situation is complicated when Peter Kyle, a Hollywood film star, arrives at the hotel, and Teddy is sent out on a night raid over Germany. Patricia is torn between a rekindled old flame and loyalty to the husband who relies on her for support.

Back Row L:R Peter Monger, C Bracewell, Ernest Golby, Frank Meakins, Graham Milbourn, Tom Stephens, V Meakins, William Mitchell, A Mackenzie, Sheila Wilcock, Kenneth Ikin
Seated L:R Iza Dolan, Edith Hill, Susan Meakins

The Cast

Countess Skriczevinsky: Iza Dolan
Peter Kyle: Ernest Golby
Mrs Oakes: Edith Hill
Sergeant Miller: William Mitchell
Percy: Kenneth Ikin
Count Skriczevinsky: Thomas Stephens
Flight Lieutenant Graham: Graham Milbourn
Patricia Graham: Sheila Wilcock
Mrs Miller: Susan Meakins
Squadron-Leader Swanson: Colin Bracewell

Produced by Frank Meakins

Newbury Weekly News review

In a play abounding with fine character studies, humour, suspense and pathos, Compton Players missed few opportunities in their production of Flare Path by Terrence Rattigan, at the new Village Hall on two nights last week. Their twelfth show was handled by a new producer, Mr F R Meakins.The play centres round three airmen, their wives and an American actor who are staying at an hotel near the aerodrome.

Bill Mitchell, making the most of his humorous opportunities as the Cockney sergeant, was well supported by Susan Meakins, as his wife, who improves with each production. Graham Milbourn in his debut had a difficult role of Flight Lieutenant Graham, totally unaware that his wife is planning to go away with the American actor.

Sheila Wilcock showed poise and dignity as the wife and Ernest Golby the actor, gave another sound performance. Ken Ikin, another new member played Percy the barman; Edith Hill returned to the Players with an excellent characterisation of the fussy landlady; Colin Bracewell, having to age in his part of the elderly Squadron-Leader, seemed well-versed in the art of facial expression.

For a stylish portrayal of the English wife of the Polish Count now flying for Britain, Iza Dolan deserved congratulation. Tom Stevens was outstanding as her husband.