Local playwright's new play to be performed by Portishead Players

Colin Astley pictured with a Spitfire plane marks the start of Portishead Players’ rehearsals for his new play.

A member of Portishead Players has written his third original play. Entitled The Spitfire Girls, the production will be premiered on the 25th – 27th February 2016 at the Somerset Hall including a matinee performance on the Saturday.

Colin Astley's previous two plays were also performed by Portishead Players, and both received the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) Award for Original Drama.

The Spitfire Girls celebrates the unsung women of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), the only women to fly during the Second World War. Commenting on his interest in this period of history, and his reason for writing the play, Colin said:

“So much has been dramatised about the exploits of men during the war, and so little about the women, that I felt there was a story to be told; and what a story! Coming from all walks of life, flying all types of military aircraft, with no radios and the most basic navigational aids, these remarkable women truly helped to win the war. The skills, commitment and stories of some of these women are captured in the script of The Spitfire Girls.”

Under Colin’s direction, a strong cast is in rehearsal for the production that will be presented at the Somerset Hall in Portishead.