Interviews: Ian Gillies, Guy Newsham, and Christian Giansante Talk PRESSURE at OLT

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Pressure will be on stage at Ottawa Little Theatre from June 10 through 27th.

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Ottawa Little Theatre presents David Haig ’s Pressure , a riveting play that takes the audience behind the scenes during preparations for World War II’s D-Day invasion. The invasion hinges on the weather cooperating; if not, 300,000 troops may be lost and two meteorologists have very different opinions on the forecast.

This piece differs from OLT’s usual summer fare, which tends to be more lighthearted in nature. Director Ian Gillies joins Guy Newsham, who stars as Dr. James Stagg, and Christian Giansante, who plays Colonel Irving P. Krick, to answer some questions about the show, particularly given its timing, which coincides with the blockbuster film that is based on the play, starring Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott .

What made the team select Pressure during the summer season, particularly when OLT usually presents lighthearted comedies at this time of year?

Christian Giansante: Expect the unexpected! A benefit of having a nine-show season is that we are able to change up our programming so that we can offer our subscribers and patrons something fresh and different from what they see year to year. Specifically for Pressure, we had the opportunity to program the show around the anniversary of D-Day. This allows for the opportunity for a more direct connection to the story, and a chance to reflect on the events of 82 years ago.

The motion picture will be in cinemas during the show's run; was the timing intentional?

Christian Giansante: Not at all! We had originally thought it would be coming out in the fall, but it seems like the movie producers also wanted to have this story told on the anniversary of D-Day. The timing does offer some unique opportunities for both movie and theatre goers to see how one story can be adapted for different mediums. It’s not often that you can see the original stage play and its movie adaptation at the same time!

Aside from set design / cinematography, how does the play differ from the movie?

Ian Gillies: We’re aiming for an intimate and claustrophobic experience with this production that highlights the human element of the controlled chaos of the base of operations, Southwick House. Expertly designed by Lindsay Laviolette and Venetia Lawless, the house’s grand scale and interior quickly becomes oppressive and confined as it fills with weather equipment and people. This confinement is not only felt by the main characters of the show, but by all, as they go about their business throughout the day. By showcasing actors rushing through the corridors of the house throughout the performance, we want to reinforce the monumental efforts of everyone involved in this important decision, from the lead weathermen to the switchboard operators.

How did Guy Newsham prepare for the role of Dr. James Stagg, given the emotional toll that the situation has on his character and the stakes that are riding on his decision?

Guy Newsham: As a scientist, a physicist, myself, I felt an immediate kinship with James Stagg, his comfort in numbers, his desire for quantitative information, and his certainty in his own position when supported by data. I'm also a playwright, so in developing the character, I put my trust in the script. David Haig 's play has been widely praised, I felt confident that he had done all of the research on the events and personalities, and that a focus on his words would lead me to a version of Stagg I could embody. And teamwork plays a huge role, my fellow actors have worked hard work on their own characters, and how we've interacted in rehearsal polished the process further. What I definitely did not do was watch the movie!

Does Pressure feel especially relevant at this time, given the current state of the world?

Ian Gillies: Pressure is, unfortunately, extremely relevant to our current day. It tackles themes of combatting misinformation, the importance of listening to the facts, and the monumental effort it takes to resist authoritarianism. It is a reminder, not only of the brave acts of self-sacrifice of those who served during the war, but for us to remain vigilant against oppression in our world. Authoritarianism survives on apathy and it takes a collective effort to resist it at every turn. The good news, however, is that every act on our end, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, strengthens that collective effort.

What do you want audiences to reflect on after they see the show?

Ian Gillies: Hopefully, audiences learn something new after this production, whether about the weather itself or about this pivotal decision in history. While the pace of the production is fast and chaotic, the characters are nuanced and real. Even those who are antagonistic in the story have very good reason for feeling the way they do. This show represents a small, but significant, moment for each character and while many go on to lead full lives, some don’t survive the war. We hope audiences are inspired to learn more about each of them and the vital role they played in history.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers ?

Ian Gillies: Whether filmed or performed live, this is a story that deserves to be told. It’s a reminder to listen to experts, recognize your worth, and that even the smallest act can be vital in bettering our world. Those acts, both large and small, have been brought to life here by a phenomenal cast and crew. To mount a production of this size takes countless hours from countless individuals. We hope that you see that effort on stage each night and appreciate their dedication and passion in telling this imperative piece of history.

See Pressure on stage at Ottawa Little Theatre from June 10 through 27th. Tickets may be purchased at the link below, or click here for more information.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/ottawa/article/Interview-Ian-Gillies-Guy-Newsham-and-Christian-Giansante-on-PRESSURE-at-OLT-20260608)._