It is very fitting in this 80th anniversary year for the end of World War Two that slices of history continue being shared to recognise the contribution of so many extraordinarily brave people. As the veterans actually involved in the most devestating time in world history get fewer, it is ever more important to keep telling their stories. Spitfire Girls, a new play by Katherine Senior, delves into the Air Transport Auxillary, a group of women who braved the skies to deliver Spitfires to military units around the country under the most difficult conditions.
During the play we meet sisters Bett and Dot who, on New Years Eve 1959, seemingly get together and reminise about their time in the ATA. A time when women were mocked for daring to step into the territory usually occupied by men. Battling weather, unreliable planes and other forces in an attempt to supply the military with the hardware that was badly needed in Britain's war against the Nazi menace. The play is the story of loyalties, secrets, oppression, love and of daring to step into the fast lane.
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Director Seán Aydon makes sure the personal stories amid the giant war machine resonate, helped by the lighting of Peter Small and the sound design and compositions of Eamonn O'Dwyer which really help to convey the atmosphere of the 1940s and the experience of flying which must have been both frightening and exhilerating for these women.
Katherine Senior (the author of the piece) takes the role of cautious and slightly neurotic older sister Bett, whilst Laura Matthews is Dotty, fun loving and gung ho. It is very much against their farmer father's wishes that they apply together to join the Air Transport Auxillary. When they do, its something of a release from life on the farm for the girls, despite the hardships of the job they train to fly the massive planes to destinations throughout the UK, ready for them to go to war. Both Senior and Matthews are captivating in their roles, bringing out both the bond between the sisters and then the divisions, as Dotty clearly has a natural talent for flying the bombers and is prepared to take risks to get them there.
This is not a two person show, the remaining three cast members have important parts to play, and each does so adopting dual roles. Samuel Tracy is RAF pilot Tom, who becomes the beau of Dotty and in turn Jimmy, an aircraft ground technician. Jack Hullard brings weight to bare as the girls' stern father, forever disapproving and demanding they return to the farm, along with old soak Frank, barfly at the pub. Kirsty Cox has the pivotal role of ATA C.O. trying to keep order so the planes can fly and also keep the girls in check, she also plays Joy, one of the girls who needs keeping in check! All five cast members are superb throughout, however it is Senior and Matthews who leave a lingering memory of sacrifice.
Naturally, this is war time and fairytale stories often end in tragedy, and we are not going to spoil the twists of the narrative here. Suffice to say the play has plenty of laughs and some tear jerking moments. The play spotlights a time when women were allowed to step out of the gender norms, and meet the men on their own terms. They even championed equal pay, unheard of at the time. Lives were changed for so many, and so it is here with these characters that none of them finish the play untarnished.
Rob and Ian
Photos courtesy of Ant Jobling
A further tour of Spitfire Girls is planned for 2026, visit the TILTED WIG website.
Information on further productions at BIRMINGHAM REP can be found HERE.
Further listening:
The Air Transport Auxillary are also the subject of this full cast drama from Big Finish Productions, worth a listen if you have enjoyed Spitfire Girls! Click on the cover for further details.
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