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REVIEW | Spitfire Girls, Birmingham Rep Theatre
- Harry Brogan
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange on an honest review
“Well behaved women never made history”
When seeing Spitfire Girls, a Tilted Wig production written by Katherine Senior, I thought it would be a heart warming rendition of women doing their bit for the war effort. But it was far more than that.
The play is based on the true stories of the girls of the ATA – the Air Transport Auxiliary – who bravely flew planes around the country. The women faced trial and tribulation. Belittled but brave. Flying spitfires, challenging stereotypes and risking their lives for the war effort. Dotty (played by Laura Matthews) is imbued with a childlike wonder and naivety that is shattered at the end of the first act. This contrasts her sister Bett, played by Katherine Senior, who is more austere and rigid. The pair bounce off each other well, with a natural sisterly relationship, particularly during arguments.
Stephen Moynihan’s movement direction and choreography is simple yet effective. The lifts emulate the movement of aircraft and give the audience a real sense of freedom that comes with being in an aeroplane.
Peter Small’s lighting design is particularly effective during the sequence in which the two women learn to fly for the first time. Sarah Beaton's simple design included an RAF target on the stage.
The second act opens with a more technical and fun wartime dance and a beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Of course there is wartime spirit, fun and dancing but the way Katherine Senior has written this and directed by Seán Aydon, it should almost go without saying that there’s definitely moments that move the audience to tears.
Jack Hulland portrays Frank, the affable yet clumsy pub drunk, who persistently tries to persuade Bett to pour him another drink. Samuel Tracy takes on the role of Jimmy, who assists the ATA women without flying himself. He frequently finds
himself confused in a world where women and men are on equal footing. This leads to a particularly funny scene in which he keeps tripping over his words and the audience want to hand him a spade to keep digging. Kirsty Cox plays a bold
ATA girl, unafraid to 'borrow' items that catch her eye.
Overall, this production exudes warmth and positivity. Spitfire Girls is performed with skill and poise. The authentic characters reflect the rough and tumble of life whilst offering a delightful journey back to the past. The show highlights Britain's wartime resilience and is bound the be a hit with a nostalgic generation. Far from a stuffy show for the older generation, it inspires women and Katherine Senior's writing shines brilliantly throughout most of the play, although the twist in the very ending scene feels unnecessary.
Spitfire Girls is a Comedic, historical and emotive. An evening of worthy theatre.
★★★★
Spitfire Girls is playing at The Birmingham Rep now until 21st June.
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