Pretending to Fly

Theatre (historical, true-life)

  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 18 months

Description

Summer 2020, NYC. Roommates Kaitlyn and Frances, months into the pandemic lockdowns, escape onto their rooftop, trying to hold the pieces of their friendship – and sanity – together. Finding distraction in the tales of Carla Horowitz, a Women's Airforce Service Pilot during WWII and the subject of Kaitlyn's thesis, the two confront uncomfortable present-day truths through their immersion in the past. Based on actual interviews with Carla and residents of NYC during the pandemic, Infinite Variety Productions intertwines the story of three women's lives, in a narrative that explores the unspoken sides of history.

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Information not supplied
  • Wheelchair access type: Permanent Ramp

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Jennifer Johnson 31 days ago

Pretending to fly is a phenomenal piece of theatre that cleverly integrates a true account of the first female pilots programme and the experience of being trapped during covid in the high NYC apartment blocks. Nuanced and imaginative, we join Marie and Kaitlyn for an exploration of play, politics and the complexities of true female friendships. There are layers here to how much these two people care for each other, any woman can resonate with the emotional rollercoaster of the building of and breaking down of a friendship of this nature. You can't tell me there's anyone who watches this play who's heart doesn't skip a beat when we join our characters in flight. Between covid, the cost of living and political tensions around us who doesn't want to pretend to fly? I laughed hard, then a tear was brought to my eye. It's a gorgeous piece of theatre and essential fringe viewing.

Julie and Jason Isbit 32 days ago

An interesting storyline; amusing yet serious at the same time. Very well executed by the two actors who were able to keep our attention throughout the hour-long performance. Dealt with interesting and current political themes without being overly political. Overall, a great way to spend an hour!

Adam Prosper 35 days ago

Two fierce, versatile women who will draw you in to the story of a prodigious woman pilot in WWII, while dancing in and out of characters within characters and real emotions.

Beautiful shared moments contrast the hard blockages between people. They always managed somehow to keep a bridge open between them.
Wonderful performance! Flows beautifully with a great story.

Colin Kilbride 38 days ago

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. The performers were excellent. The story was thought provoking and the performance was skillfully handled enjoying a great balance of playful humor and moving, reflective moments.

Ann Kelsey 39 days ago

This must see documentary history production poignantly folds the sadness and loss associated with the Covid lockdowns with the experiences of a WWII U.S. Women’s Air Service pilot. Based on oral histories collected by playwright/director Ashley Adelman, the play focuses on losses endured, but also on the resilience and camaraderie of women to “soldier” through. The characters and their emotions are brought alive by the excellent performances by Marie Davis and Kate Szekely. While the ending is not optimistic, it is true to life and underscores the value of friendship and moving on to the future. Don’t miss it!

Camilla Ross 39 days ago

I saw this play on Monday opening night. I left emotional. The acting and directing was phenomenal. This play was brilliantly written and the moments in the performances were engaging. The actors kept you on the edge and I left hopeful for women and their relationships. This is a must see play - you’ll leave wanting to know more about these amazing characters. I loved this show! Bravo!! Well done.

Ian Tucker-Bell 40 days ago

Was fortunate to see the opening performance of this beautifully written and performed play. Pretending To Fly is performed with wonderful energy, playfulness, tenderness, and care.

Recommended - an excellent company who always impress.

Philip Tucker-Bell 40 days ago

Great story telling. 2 tales at once was brilliant and completely absorbing. Well done and great to have you back at the Fringe!


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Theatre Travels 33 days ago

An ambitious new work that is extremely relevant for its audience, all of whom have their own lived experience of the pandemic, and is exciting in its commitment to using theatre to highlight the stories of women that history would otherwise have us forget.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.