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Pressure

  • David Haig
  • Full Length Play, Drama, 1940s / WWII
  • 12M, 1F
  • ISBN: 9781848423886

An intense real-life thriller centred around the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare.

More information

Description

  • Full Length Play
  • Drama

  • Time Period: 1940s / WWII
  • Target Audience: Senior, Adult
  • Set Requirements: Interior Set

  • Performance Group:
  • Community Theatre
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. The decision will not only seal the fates of thousands of men, but could win or lose the entire war.

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.

Pressure premiered at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, in May 2014 before transferring to Chichester Festival Theatre, in a production directed by John Dove, with the author playing James Stagg.
Weather charts available for use in performance
The weather charts used in the original professional production are available for use by amateur companies performing the play. Please contact our office for more information.
REVIEWS:

"The tension is palpable and expertly maintained throughout, with real wit and warmth as well... Haig has obviously done his research, and then smartly played with the facts for full dramatic effect. You wouldn't think a story about predicting the weather could play like a thriller, but it does… a rip-roaring evening's entertainment."

 Radio Times

"Fascinatingly original… with its moments of comedy and atmosphere of high stakes, this is an excellent documentary drama."

 The Arts Desk

"Sharp, witty and affecting… events flow across the stage like sunlight and shadow on a changeable summer's afternoon – fast and hectic, tense and fraught, calm, thoughtful."

 The Guardian

"A tense, tight and quite brilliant drama… more moving than a dozen Saving Private Ryans."

 British Theatre Guide

"Completely gripping... a play about unsung heroes, responsibility, integrity and the nature of bravery."

 Financial Times

"Tempestuous and highly charged... a thunderous piece of theatre."

 The Stage

Premiere Production: Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, 2014.

Characters

  • Casting: 12M, 1F
  • Casting Attributes: Large Cast

Available Material

Name Price
Pressure Script This is optional. Order Now

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. The decision will not only seal the fates of thousands of men, but could win or lose the entire war.

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.

Pressure premiered at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, in May 2014 before transferring to Chichester Festival Theatre, in a production directed by John Dove, with the author playing James Stagg.

$24.95

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