Lockerbie: Unfinished Business

Gilded Balloon
5 - 30 August, 14.30

Lockerbie, a place name but also now the name for the tragedy 22 years ago, when a Pan Am flight was blown up and fell on the small Borders town. 270 people were killed.

Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora, perished on the flight, has long campaigned for truth and justice. Truth about why, who and how. Justice because, he and many others believe that the real perpatrators have not been brought to trial. The play, constructed from Swire's journals, makes a compelling and subtly reasoned argument, that neither truth nor justice has been served.

David Benson, better known for his comic portrayals, is outstanding. The play is illuminating and profoundly moving. The many facts and the wealth of information are presented clearly with an occasional moment of relief at some of the absurdities of the investigations and trial. Above all, it is a story about a man and his grief for the lovely daughter, we hear, age seven, singing an innocent little song.

The committee of US senators, currently demanding answers from governments and officials, could do not better than book to see this play.

- by Keith Paterson