It’s quite rare these days to be able to sit and enjoy what many would call a ‘good old fashioned play’.

The wartime setting obviously dates the Flare Path, but the play also does what few others do now – and that’s get down to the basics being able to hold an audience’s attention through content and acting alone.

Apart from a few aircraft sound effects, the whole performance was understated in visual and sound gimmicks.

The scene of a hotel is static and the drama unfolds there, and there alone.

With the increasing trend to create vibrant and ever changing sets, quirky sound tricks, smoke screens and even 3D visuals, it was a breath of fresh air to get back to a few actors treading the boards.

The highly acclaimed 2015 national tour of Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path, directed by Justin Audibert is currently running at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, and opened last night.

Based on Rattigan’s experiences as a tail gunner during World War II, the play paints an evocative portrait of life in wartime Britain for the life-and-death existence of the RAF bomber crews, and their wives and sweethearts who were left waiting their return.

Set in 1942 the narrative focuses on former actress Patricia, the wife of RAF pilot Teddy, whose marriage is tested to the limits by the surprise arrival of Patricia’s ex-lover and Hollywood idol Peter Kyle.

An unexpected and dangerous mission over Germany puts Patricia at the centre of an emotional conflict as unpredictable as the war in the skies.

While the story is intense and passionate, the performance had welcome breaks of comedy from the ditsy but delightful Countess Skrczevinsky, and her Polish husband with hilariously little English, the Count.

The audience became equally invested in the fate of the funny duo, as much as with the leading trio Patricia, Teddy and Peter.

The stiff and pernickety Mrs Oakes also evoked a good giggle from the audience and Squadron Leader Swanson, played by Graham Seed, was also a favourite having been known for playing Nigel Pargetter in the BBC Radio series The Archers for 27 years.

Granted, it's not one to astound young children with; but if you want a night out with your significant other, this play is a good bet.

It is running in Dartford until Saturday.

Pre-show dining is available before the show at the Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant, if booked in advance with the tickets.

To book tickets or for more information visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.