Pressure

An intense real-life thriller centred around the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare. The original play behind the 2026 feature film starring Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser.

June 1944. One mans decision is about to change the course of history.

Everything is in place for the biggest invasion ever known in Europe – D-Day. One last crucial question remains: will the weather be right on the day?

Problematically there are two opposing forecasts. American celebrity weatherman Colonel Krick predicts sunshine, while Scot Dr James Stagg, Chief Meteorological Officer for the Allied Forces, forecasts a storm. As the world watches and waits, General Eisenhower, Allied Supreme Commander, must decide which of these bitter antagonists to trust. The decision will not only seal the fates of thousands of men, but could win or lose the entire war.

An extraordinary and little-known true story, David Haigs play thrillingly explores the responsibilities of leadership, the challenges of prophecy and the personal toll of taking a stand.

Pressure premiered at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, in May 2014 before transferring to Chichester Festival Theatre, in a production directed by John Dove, with the author playing James Stagg.

It was later adapted for the screen by David Haig and Anthony Maras, directed by Maras. The feature film, released in 2026, starred Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon and Damian Lewis.