BATH's Theatre Royal will pay a fitting tribute to VE Day 70 years on with a revival of Terence Rattigan's epic wartime romance Flare Path.

Starring Philip Franks of Heartbeat and The Darling Buds of May fame, Lark Rise to Candleford's Olivia Hallinan and Mr Selfridge's Leon Ockenden, the production will launch the theatre's autumn season on Monday, for a week-long run.

Set in 1942 against a backdrop of heartache and quiet bravery, the play tells the story of former actress Patricia, the wife of RAF pilot Teddy, whose marriage is tested to the limits by the surprise arrival of her former 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.

Based on Rattigan's experiences as a tail gunner during World War II, Flare Path paints an evocative portrait of life in wartime Britain for the RAF bomber crews, and their wives and sweethearts who were left awaiting their return.

Opening an unforgettable window into a pivotal moment in our history, Flare Path combines highly-charged drama with an authentic taste of the fear, camaraderie and passion experienced by the men and women who fought to save their country, their families and each other.

The new production of Flare Path is directed by Justin Audibert, who recently directed The Jew of Malta for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Flare Path runs at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 12. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.