Breaking the Code

Breaking the Code is a thought provoking play by Hugh Whitemore first performed in 1986. It skillfully covers two timescales, in the tragic life of British mathematical genius Alan Turing, who was also a homosexual which was illegal at that time. While seconded to the top secret Bletchley Park in World War II, he played a vital role in deciphering the messages encrypted by the German Enigma machine, which provided vital intelligence for the Allies; he is also credited with being a founder of computer science for his work in Artificial Intelligence. He carries on undertaking research in this field after the war at the National Physical Laboratory (1945-1948), then at Manchester University, where he was Director of the Computing Laboratory. But during the reporting of a robbery at his home to the police he confesses to being a homosexual. This confession results in a prosecution and Turing is convicted of Gross Indecency in 1952. Unfortunately for Turing homosexuality was also considered a security risk which resulted in the loss of his security clearance, he later committed suicide in 1954.

This outstanding production directed by Mark Jones, had a very talented cast, who all suited their roles very well, giving good characterisations, while working well together. They included Danny Almond as Turing’s boyhood friend Christopher, whose early death had a lasting effect on Turing’s life. His mother Sara was played by Zoe Duffin- Jones who was distant and cool, but surprisingly she was very supportive when he was prosecuted. David Walker as Dilly Knox the man in charge at Bletchley Park tries without success to advise Turing about marriage and living with Homosexuality in those unenlightened times.  Robert Walsh was a very good seedy and unlikeable Ron a hustler and the catalyst of Turing’s ruin. Chris Franic as the Policeman Ross and Zoe Hale as Pat Green, Turing’s colleague at Bletchley Park both gave good Characterisations and coped well with complicated  libretto, but  their performances may have benefited from a little more projection when delivering their dialogue.  However all the plaudits and the highlight of the evening was Dave Reid‘s portrayal of Alan Turing which can only be described as riveting and superb. He held the audience’s  attention at all times even through long speeches  containing large amounts of technical jargon and his interpretation of Turing’s  tragic emotional journey in life was absorbing.

 The costumes suited the roles well and scenery was minimalistic but effective and the stage area was used very efficiently both by the set designers and the director. There was an interesting use of music written by John Hamersley with lyrics by Peter Jones to set the atmosphere, and projected pictures telling us the time line for each scene. Well done to the set builders, stage crew, lighting and sound.

Well done to all involved in this outstanding thought provoking production and thank you for an enjoyable evening.
 

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