Review: Spitfire Girls at Buxton Opera House*

‘As war shook their land, they took to the skies’

[Ad-gifted] The Spitfire Girls which is currently running at the Buxton Opera House in Derbyshire is a play written about the adventures of two sisters who joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA for short) at the start of World War II, a civilian organisation that ferried planes to different locations for the RAF and RN. Events take place some fifteen years after the end of WWII but dip back in time to the war years. The story unfurls beautifully and hauntingly to reveal glimpses of lives that were hijacked, interrupted and reformed by wartime events.

The opening scene

We are in a public house (The Spitfire Pub) on New Year’s Eve. It is raining dismally outside and the landlady, Bett (the older of the two sisters) has shut the pub for the evening – she is welcoming in the new year alone, accompanied by some wartime music, walls full of (imaginary) pictures of the past, and an absent, ancient dog (at least, there is a dog bowl present). She is disturbed by a late-night punter calling in after hours – followed by an unexpected visit from her younger sister, Dotty, who served with her in the ATA.

The action

After we are introduced to sisters Bett (played tonight by Katherine Senior) and Dotty (Hannah Morrison) in the pub, we go back to the time to when the two girls answered an advert for women to join the ATA. There is resistance from their father (played by Jack Hulland) who wants them to stay at home and run his pig farm. Nevertheless, the girls are soon on their way to serve for their country under a stern C.O. (Kirsty Cox). The girls learn to fly all kinds of planes, the crème de la crème being a Spitfire. Dotty meets a young pilot by the name of Tom (Paul Brown) and they become engaged just before Tom flies off on a dangerous mission. It seems that Betty may also have a connection with Tom – but events overtake the young people, as they do in times of war, before anyone can fulfil their hopes and dreams.

What we thought of Spitfire Girls

The play started at a steady pace, which did allow the audience to take in the details that set the scene. The company consist of a cast of five talented actors – a lean and efficient crew indeed – they moved their own props during scene changes and played multiple roles. Great use was made of sound effects – doors, rain, engines… the scenery relied on some sparse furniture and a few props, and this worked to great effect, portraying a utilitarian war room atmosphere, post-war bleakness and fuzzy, nostalgic memories of a lonely New Year.

The characters were fabulous, all of them. Bett, Dotty and Tom danced – in fact, there was a beautiful moment that I shall call ‘The Spitfire Dance’ where all the cast were dancing on stage. Hannah Morrison had a delightful singing voice. She played the more emotional sister very movingly and to great effect; the Opera House was literally ringing with her voice! Paul Brown had two characters to play – Tom and Jimmy – and he lent them each a different vibe, both physically with his movement, and with different accents. Jack Hulland was a believable father figure – lost, misunderstanding, trying to maintain authority but not without compassion. And Katherine Senior brought Bett to life by giving her complicated, dark and somewhat repressed character an aura of latent sadness. All in all, they are a talented bunch enacting a well-written play that will stand the test of time.

It was a somewhat quiet night at Buxton Opera House tonight, with some empty seats that deserved to be filled. The audience were delighted with Spitfire Girls. When Katherine Senior wrote this play, she did her groundwork well – thorough research meant that it is realistic, relatable and genuine. It is not short of a little magic either; the ethereal plot twist at the end makes this show thoroughly satisfying. 

Cast for Spitfire Girls

Katherine Senior | Bett (at certain performances)

Kirsty Cox | Joy/C.O.

Jack Hulland | Dad/Frank

Hannah Morrison | Dotty

Katriona Brown | Bett (at certain performances)

Paul Brown | Tom/Jimmy

Creatives for Spitfire Girls

Tilted Wig is proud to have reflected the pioneering work of these incredible pilots by carving out new models of touring for working parents. It remains highly unusual for a leading role on a production of this scale and length to be shared. In recognition of this innovative approach, the company has collaborated with Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) to produce a case study that captures the learning and impact of this practice.

Written by Katherine Senior
Directed by Seán Aydon
Designed by Sarah Beaton
Lighting designed by Peter Small
Composition & Sound design by Eamonn O’Dwyer
Movement Direction by Stephen Moynihan​
Video Design by Tyler Forward

How much are the tickets for Spitfire Girls? 

Tickets are on sale now, priced from £25 to £34.  The show has a running time of 2hrs 10mins (including a 20-minute interval).  School tickets are £15 each and one teacher goes free with every ten students.

How do I book tickets to watch Spitfire Girls?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01298 72190 or visit Buxton Opera House’s website here here.  Age guidance: 10+

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The performance will be running until Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 7.30pm with a matinee show on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm at Buxton Opera House. The booking office is normally open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays. When there is a performance, it is open until 8pm on weekdays, also 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays and 4pm to 8pm on Sundays.

Where is Buxton Opera House?

There is free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues (Please note: the covered area of the car park closes at 6pm). There is also free on-street car parking after 6pm close to the theatre, but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas. Electric car charging is available at The Lee Wood Hotel and The Old Manse Guesthouse at the discretion of the guesthouse/hotel.

The train station is also a ten minute walk from the Opera House and operates a regular service from Manchester Piccadilly calling at all stations to Buxton.

Water street
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6XN
boxoffice@boh.org.uk

Parking and refreshments

There are plenty of pay-and-display off-road parking spaces available round the venue, but these get taken fairly quickly. Alternatively, you can park in the large two-storey car park off Burlington Road and take a pleasant five-minute walk down to the venue past the Pavilion Arts Centre, or through the park.

Drinks are available from one of the bars at the Opera House. Ice creams are also usually served. Just outside the Opera House is the Old Club House, where you can get food. There is also a selection of bars and restaurants nearby, especially along the Quadrant.

About Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House is a beautiful Edwardian theatre in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, designed by Frank Matcham. Opened in 1903, this Edwardian Baroque style building was later restored in 2001, It is one of the finest examples of his theatre design and is a key part of Buxton’s thriving cultural scene. The theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including opera, musical concerts, comedy, and more. 

You may also want to read this:

Review: The Elves and the Shoemaker at Pavilion Arts Centre

Review: A Fairytale for Christmas at Buxton Opera House

Review: James Bond Concert Spectacular at Buxton Opera House

Photo Credit: Buxton Opera House/Mark Senior

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.