What’s On: Spitfire Girls, Mayflower Studios, Southampton

A NEW play marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will premiere at Mayflower Studios next month.

Spitfire Girls, a new play by Katherine Senior, has been developed in conjunction with the Royal British Legion with support from the National Theatre generate programme.

Directed by Seán Aydon with design by Sarah Beaton, Spitfire Girls will play 12 venues around the country until 7th June.

Laura Matthews will play Dotty, and Katherine Senior and Rosalind Steele will share the role of Bett. The cast will also feature Kirsty Cox as Joy, Jack Hulland as Dad/Frank and Samuel Tracy as Tom/Jimmy.

“It’s built for us, isn’t it? The Spitfire. Built for women.”

New Year’s Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire pub.

As we hear their story, we’re transported back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies.

Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope.

The show is recommended for ages 10 and older. The production has lighting by Peter Small and original music composed by Eamonn O’Dwyer. The tour benefits from outreach support provided by Arts Council England.

Spitfire Girls will be at Mayflower Studios from 20th to 22nd March. Tickets are from £14.50. For more information and bookings visit http://mayflower.org.uk or contact the box office on 023 8071 1811.