Henfield Theatre Company under Pressure with WWII drama

Spokeswoman Mandy Ainsworth said: “Set in 1944, at Southwick House, Henfield Theatre Company’s next production Pressure tells the true and testing story of the world at war with an evil genius whose tanks and guns are just across the Channel. The decision whether to invade or not lies in the hands of either an American or an English meteorologist. A huge fleet of British Empire and American vessels and armament is poised and ready to sail across the water to France and set Europe free.

"However, the weather forecasters’ predictions contradict each other – who will interpret the weather maps correctly and persuade General ‘Ike’ Eisenhower, played by Ian Henham, to commence Operation Overlord? Will the forecast be the right one or will the Armed Forces suffer huge losses at the hands of the Germans and also the weather?

"The play is a dramatic one, depicting the officers planning the Battle of Normandy and the D-Day landings. Ike’s temper and colourful military language are facts. Kay Summersby, played by Emily Norman, was his driver and PA.

“Written by David Haig, the play grabs the attention of the audience from the very outset, never loosening its grip. It captures the extraordinary pressure its characters are under at the crucial turning point in the Second World War with wit, compassion and tension.

"The drama will be staged on October 13, 14 and 15 at 7.45pm in The Henfield Hall. So enthralled are the cast by the story behind this play that they have visited the true setting of the events at Southwick House and the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth.”

Show director Rosemary Nice said: “Visiting the D-Day Museum and Southwick House in Portsmouth, where the actual planning took place in 1944, gives the cast a deeper insight into the events of the play.”

https://www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com or at Stevens Estate Agents, Henfield High Street (£11 for floor seating and £13 for raised seating).