Steve has been writing, researching and publishing books on Bomber Command for 20 years, making him one of the most knowledgeable and respected experts on the subject.
Steve, how did this fascination with Bomber Command come about?
My grandfather served as a Pathfinder pilot with Bomber Command during the Second World War, flying on 32 operations and becoming a prisoner-of-war.
How many books have you published?
Fourty-one to date! In 2009 I founded Fighting High Publishing, which seeks to publish books focusing on human endeavour in military situations.
And is it just books or will we have seen/heard of you elsewhere?
I’m often called upon as a contributor, consultant, or researcher for television documentaries. My two most recent broadcast commissions include was the BBC’s The Lancaster: Britain’s Flying Past and War Hero in my Family: Robert Llewellyn.
And we hear you’re involved in fundraising too?
Yes I’m a keen supporting of various military charities, and was recently appointed as a Friend of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
What was the inspiration behind The Navigator?
It’s inspired by the true life stories of the men and women of the Second World War. It tells the story of a Lancaster bomber crew and the women who shared their lives.
And give us a taste of the story?
It’s a really powerful human story telling of one young man’s hopes and aspirations when he joins the Royal Air Force and flies Lancasters with Bomber Command. He forms a strong bond with his crew, and they live life to the full at the local pubs and at parties, and romance blossoms, although not everyone’s relationship flourishes amidst the context of war. A story of the human spirit, fighting to survive total war.
Broadway is a concert performance, where is the show heading next?
Following the Broadway performance, which will be our first outing to the public, we are then presenting to an audience of people from the theatre industry, hoping to entice some producers and theatres to support the development of the full production.
To find out more about The Navigator, visit the Broadway Theatre website. Starts 6pm, Sunday 19 November. Tickets £16 Adults, £13 Concessions.
