Their Finest Hour – Waterloo East Theatre

“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” Churchill’s famous speech highlighting the role of the RAF crews whose sorties and bombing raids did much to help bring the Second World War to an end, has become one of his most legendary moments. Writer Steve Darlow bases his play on hundreds of interviews conducted with the real-life pilots, air- and ground-crew who lived this story, the men and women who served in the RAF, The Few.  Told through narration, the songs of the period and war poetry, this is an emotive piece that is both of that period of history and a tribute to the RAF personnel who served so heroically. 

The story starts on the day of RAF pilot Bert’s funeral, as his family go through his things after finding a suitcase of photos and memorabilia that chart Bert’s wartime experiences. This was a time that he’d not talked about to his family, always batting away enquiries about his service. As these emotive items are unpacked, the men and women of the RAF appear to tell their stories, from the start of the war to the Battle of Britain, Dunkirk, the bombing raids over Germany, the POWs, the loss of life on both sides, both RAF and civilian, and eventually the end of this terrible war. 

Joe Malyan’s direction is sure-footed, with the transitions between times, locations and characters smoothly handled.  The talented eight-member ensemble cast play multiple characters, changing roles (and sometimes genders) with just a swift on-stage costume swap that is barely noticeable, and bring perfect credibility and authenticity to each role. The songs are well chosen and well sung to progress the narrative. Initially representing Bert’s attic, the set also serves as the ops room at an RAF station, and multiple other locations, chairs becoming Spitfires and Hurricanes, then gun turrets, ladders evoking POW camps and escape tunnels. Sheets become clouds, mountains and parachutes.  Anne “Bam” Thomson’s costumes are on point and look totally accurate for the period. The sound and lighting create the mood, with the sound of trains rumbling overhead from Waterloo East an incidental addition that entirely fits the narrative.  

While this period of history is well-documented, the individuals’ stories are gradually fading as wartime service members pass away and many, like Bert, having avoided talking to their family about their wartime service. Darlow is to be applauded for preserving their experiences and bringing them to a wider audience in a unique way that beautifully represents the period and honours the men and women whose service and sacrifice were integral to the war effort. Definitely a not-to-be-missed production.

Their Finest Hour plays at the Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, until 26th March.  Tickets are on sale from: https://www.waterlooeast.co.uk/

Reviewer:  Carole Gordon

Reviewed: 11th March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★