Billy Bishop Goes to War

Flight 8 just heard from former Ottawa Aviation Services Manager and CBC weather presenter Teri Loretto, who is also the Co-Artistic Director at Plosive Productions about the upcoming production of Billy Bishop Goes to War.

Teri explains:

Greetings Flying folks!

Plosive Productions and Ottawa's beautiful Gladstone theatre are preparing to open one of Canada's iconic pieces of theatre, Billy Bishop Goes to War by John Gray.

This show is an award winning two-man musical and features one of Ottawa's finest piano players, James Caswell on his grand piano. Billy Bishop is played by accomplished actor Chris Ralph, hot off his numerous theatrical successes including Noises Off and Speed-the-Plow at The Gladstone, and the smash hit The Game of Love and Chance at Odyssey Theatre last summer. I have the honour of directing this dynamic duo in what's sure to be a highlight of Ottawa's theatrical season.

This story of one of Canada's heroes follows his path from student to flying ace and tells the story through 18 characters in Bishop's life, all played by one actor. The number of 'kills' attributed to Billy Bishop was questioned at the time and continues to be a subject of debate today. What is not a question though, is Billy's ability to fly to the top of his field in an age of adventure and bravery in The Great War. In this play we laugh at the stuffy folk who tried to tame this bad boy of Canadian aviation, glory in his first solo, thrill at the aerial battles that earned him his numerous medals and share his shock as he looks at the horrors of trench warfare.

I can't tell you how great a show this is going to be, and with the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War coming up in 2014, it is important that we continue to tell the stories of the brave men and women who served in that conflict.

Any persons with limited mobility will appreciate that The Gladstone is fully accessible. There are no steps between the entrance and the front row of seats; we have an accessible washroom; two seats in the front row are designated as wheelchair spots. Our Box Office and Front of House staff will be pleased to assist in any way needed to help patrons to have a comfortable, accessible and enjoyable visit! And as a special treat for this show, the theatre is also hosting a mini-art show in our wheelchair-accessible lobby, curated by The Canadian War Museum and featuring some beautiful works of art from the period.

The show runs Feb. 8th to 23rd, Tuesday to Saturday evenings at 8PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3PM, with a preview at 8PM on Feburary 7. For more information about the show or the theatre, or to buy tickets, contact our Box Office at 613-233-GLAD (4523) or see the production's website.

Webmaster's Note

Any Flight members interested in ticket discounts, please drop Adam Hunt, Flight 8 webmaster, a note.