Pressure review – David Haig takes us into the eye of the D-day storm

Ambassadors theatre, LondonThe actor-playwright finds rich drama in the interaction of war and weather in a show with a powerful contemporary resonance“How can the weather ever be boring?” asks the hero of David Haig’s fascinating play. Admittedly the character is a meteorologist but he has a point: other countries have a climate whereas we in Britain have weather. But finally catching up with Haig’s much-travelled play, first seen in Edinburgh in 2014, I was struck by how it expands to acquire meanings beyond its immediate subject. Haig has seized on the historical fact that there was much tension surrounding the timing of the D-day landings in Normandy in June 1944. General Eisenhower, in charge of European operations, had set a precise date of 5 June. However, James Stagg, chief meteorological adviser to the allies, arrives at the HQ at Southwick, Hampshire, and warns of severe weather conditions on the appointed day. If he is right, the invasion will be a disaster leading to massive loss of life. But he is vehemently opposed by his American counterpart, Colonel Krick, and Eisenhower is left to make the crucial decision as to whether to delay the operation.I was even reminded of the debate about climate change where wilful denial is confronted by inescapable fact Continue reading...