D-Day veteran given standing ovation at theatre production of Pressure

On 6 June 1944, 17-year-old Marie Scott was stationed deep underground at Fort Southwick, transmitting messages to and from the beaches on D-Day. For her contribution to this historic operation, she was later awarded the Légion d’Honneur.

On 28 March, the WWII veteran attended an amateur dramatic performance of Pressure by David Haig at The Barn Theatre, accompanied by her daughter, Cari Samuel.

At the end of the performance, following the curtain call, an announcement was made that a special guest was in the audience. The entire theatre rose to give Marie a rapturous standing ovation.

Marie has spoken many times about her role on D-Day. She often recalls the moment she raised the lever to receive incoming transmissions, hearing the full horror of war - men shouting orders, crying out, explosions and gunfire - sounds she has never forgotten.

Speaking about the play, Marie said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the play in this intimate setting. Although I never met Eisenhower, Kay Summersby or James Stagg, they were well-known names to all of us working at Fort Southwick. And, as the play depicts, it was such a relief that Eisenhower did not follow the advice to proceed as planned.”

Pressure, written by David Haig in 2014, is based on true events during WWII. It tells the story of Group Captain James Stagg and the crucial weather forecasts that determined the timing of the D-Day landings as part of Operation Overlord. The play explores the intense personal and military pressures faced by Stagg, the conflicting forecasts and the dramatic 72 hours leading up to D-Day.

A new Working Title film adaptation of Pressure, directed by Anthony Maras and starring Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis, will be released in UK cinemas in September 2026.

When asked if she would like to see the forthcoming film, Marie did not hesitate in saying yes.