Nicholas flies in with his one-man show

He has just returned from a month in Australia, appearing as part of Guy Masterson’s Centre for International Theatre (CIT) at the Adelaide Fringe. During this time he was able to get in the cockpit of a real Spitfire VC at the South Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide. The owner, Langdon Badger, gave Nicholas permission to climb aboard, fulfilling a lifetime ambition for the actor.

Nicholas also had the privilege of meeting a couple of pilots - and the relatives of those who flew Spitfires in the RAF and RAAF - and the ATA - the ‘Spitfire Women’.

“It’s been an extraordinary experience - exhilarating and humbling,” said the performer. “I got to stand in the cockpit and very few people are allowed to do that.”

The piece, which is written and performed by Nicholas, was co-devised and directed by Gavin Robertson.

The show is set in June of the new Millennium. For eighty-year old Peter Walker, ex-Battle of Britain pilot, an unexpected new challenge is about to begin. From the comfort of the Silver Birches Retirement

Home, he must once again find the resilience, determination and strength to do what must be done.

As he re-lives past glories, losses, wartime experiences, family memories and the heady days of blue skies and battles, he searches for the answer to the biggest question so far.

Personal, charming, funny and inventive, ‘Spitfire Solo’ is one man’s battle for survival - the second time around. Blending theatre, music and film in this multi-layered and textured production, Nicholas Collett plays a multitude of characters and recreates the Battle of Britain - onstage.

For further information or to book tickets for the Lisburn show, contact the Island Arts Centre Box Office on 9250 9254.