Presented by GMT Productions International
Reviewed 9 October 2013
This is a story of reminiscence and adventure, of trials and tribulations, and of emotional bravery.
Set across the timeline of Peter Walker’s (Nicholas Collett), the focus is on the character’s personal events in World War II. It ranges from him being an 80 year old enjoying the simple life in a retirement home to taking on the German flying pilots whilst at the helm of his beloved girlfriend… his Spitfire war plane.
Nicholas Collet proves to us once again with ease his accomplishments as a writer, director, theatre producer and actor. The drive and enthusiasm in which he shares his stories is professional and, although the main content is by no means a comedy, he has weaved in to the script some very amusing lines to which one just can’t help but chuckle. The audience secretly relates to the situations whether as an elder or a younger person, realising this character could in fact be your grandfather.
Using just minimal props divide into three time zones, the use of some vintage black and white footage really puts the audience into the picture. Sure many of us have seen war documentaries through school or general television viewing, but having this followed up by live characters in front of you not narrating but rather explaining what the Battle of Britain was briefly about and what the fighting Officer’s went through to fight for our rights is hauntingly moving. The show is not just about war though, it is about one man’s journey from those dark adventurous days to what happened personally afterwards, his relationship with his estranged daughter and a surprise visit from his granddaughter.
This is a slightly complex play due to the changing of modern and past situations at any given time so you really do have to pay attention, but Nicholas Collett changes gears like a seasoned performer and genuinely is immersed in the character. He does the hard work for us so that we can sit back and enjoy this very interesting story of one man’s journey from learning to fly in his father’s plane as a young boy up to being retired and still having serious personal challenges to be met. It certainly is worth investing your time in.
Reviewed by Brett A.Trimboli
- GMT Productions International
- GMT Productions International on Facebook
- Company Gavin Robertson
- Nicholas Collett Productions
Venue: The Forge, Marryatville High School, Kensington Road (off-street parking available via The Crescent)
Season: 9 – 19 October 2013
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $15 – $25
Bookings: Online through DramaTix or BASS, or at the door.
Photo Credit: GMT Productions International
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