A story based on remarkable true events, celebrating the women who flew in WWII – Spitfire Girls – visits Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 February 2026.
Playwright, Katherine Senior, talks to In Common ahead of the tour.
How does it feel to be taking Spitfire Girls back on the road?
I’m absolutely over the moon. Last year’s tour was extraordinary, and I’m so grateful that the play gets another outing across the UK, and in such beautiful venues. It’s been a long journey to get here, so bringing it back to audiences feels very special.
How long have you been working on the play?
About ten years. In many ways it’s been a little adventure of my own. During that time I also had three babies, which certainly added to the challenge, but it makes this moment even more meaningful.
What drew you to the story of the women pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary?
I was genuinely shocked to discover that women flew military aircraft during the war and that I didn’t know this already. Pauline Gower, who was responsible for recruiting the first eight female pilots into the ATA, was instrumental in making that happen. These women carried out an extraordinary feat for a civilian organisation, and their stories deserve to be better known.
What sort of research went into the play?
I watched documentaries, read books and articles, but most importantly I met the women pilots themselves and their families. I’ve also worked closely with people connected to the ATA, including the Heritage Museum in Maidenhead, all of whom have been incredibly supportive of the project.
Were there any particularly formative meetings during that research?
Very much so. In 2016 I met Candy Adkins, the daughter of ATA pilot Jackie Moggridge, in Taunton. She generously shared her mother’s extensive personal archive with me — letters, poems, notes, thoughts. Jackie wrote on everything, and that material was invaluable.
In 2017 I met ATA pilot Mary Ellis on the Isle of Wight. I travelled there with my six-month-old son, who sat on her lap while she talked about her experiences. It was a real privilege to meet her.
What interested you most about these women’s stories?
While the facts and statistics are important, I was far more drawn to the human stories — the friendships, camaraderie, bravery and emotional journeys of these young women. I’m a storyteller, and I believe history needs a beating heart at its centre. Without that, we may as well just watch a documentary.
How important was the idea of flight as a theatrical device?
Very important. The opportunity to create the sensation of flying on stage was hugely exciting for me from the outset. In summer 2024, we had the chance to develop this at the National Theatre Studio as part of their Generate programme. That support really helped the idea take off — quite literally — and became a key part of the production.
At its core, what kind of story is Spitfire Girls?
At heart, it’s a love story. I hope it’s the small, intimate moments that create the biggest emotional impact. It’s been a huge part of my life, and my family’s life, for years now, far more than I ever expected.
What do you hope audiences take away from the play?
I hope it pokes at people’s hearts while shining a light on these extraordinary women who defied expectations during a brief but vital window in history.
The play is often described as inspiring for young girls — how do you feel about that?
I hope it is inspiring for young girls, but I also hope it inspires boys. I have three young sons, and I’d love to think the play might contribute, in a small way, to a shift where boys can be inspired by women too — women from eighty years ago. I hope audiences of all ages feel that inspiration.
Spitfire Girls will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 February at 7.30pm; 1.30pm (Thursday matinee) and 2.30pm (Saturday matinee) Recommended age: 10+ as show contains themes of war. For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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