TERENCE Rattigan’s Flare Path, a deeply moving wartime drama about a woman torn between love and duty, arrives at Theatre Royal Winchester tonight.

Rattigan, who wrote The Browning Version and Separate Tables, used his own experiences as an RAF tail gunner to paint an evocative portrait of the life-and-death existence of the bomber crews and the plight of their wives and sweethearts awaiting their return.

Flare Path, from the producers behind the critically acclaimed touring production of Birdsong, stars Philip Franks from TV’s Heartbeat, Leon Ockenden (Mr Selfridge), Olivia (Lark Rise To Candleford) and Alastair Whatley.

It is directed by Justin Audibert who recently directed The Jew of Malta for the RSC.

In the tense atmosphere of World War 2, a woman must choose between her passion for a former lover and her obligation to support her bomber pilot husband.

Flare Path offers audiences an authentic taste of the fear, camaraderie and passion experienced by the men and women who fought to save their country, their families and each other.

To add to the audiences’ experience of their evening with Theatre Royal Winchester, there will be displays and exhibitions around the building showcasing the fashion and history of the 1940s period, with displays presented by Hampshire Wardrobe and Stardust Years Vintage Fashion shop.

Tonight, Monday, October 12, there will also be a special short performance from the Spitfire Sisters.

On Tuesday, October 13, the theatre will also host a special pre-show lecture on Rattigan and War from 6pm (free to attend, but must be booked) and a post-show discussion with the Flare Path cast.

Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path runs at Theatre Royal Winchester until Saturday, October 17.

Box office: 01962 840 440, theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk