Single Spies
Information
- Date
- 29th March 2014
- Society
- Wellington Arts Association
- Venue
- Wellington Art Centre
- Type of Production
- Play Double Bill
- Director
- Colin Marshall and Paul Smith
Two separate plays (or acts) connected through their links to the Cambridge Spy Ring in the 1930’s, Single Spies was written 1988 by Alan Bennett. The two pieces are headed separately as 'An Englishman Abroad' and 'A Question of Attribution'. An Englishman Abroad is based on the true story of a chance meeting of an actress, Coral Browne with Guy Burgess, a member of the Cambridge spy ring who worked for the Soviet Union whilst with MI6. A Question of Attribution is based on Anthony Blunt's role in the Cambridge Spy Ring and, as Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures, personal art advisor to Queen Elizabeth II. It portrays his interrogation by MI5 officers, his work researching and restoring art, and his relationship with the Queen.
The Art Centre had been transformed from its usual proscenium mini theatre into something more in keeping with the Drum, Plymouth, and it worked beautifully creating the world of the voyeur. The actors were totally focused without a moment of hesitation. Not glimmer of realization that the audience were literally face to face with them showed, this takes skill and control by not only the actors themselves but also through close attention to detail by the director. An Englishman Abroad could easily be called a two hander as although three other characters fleetingly appear Coral and Guy are on stage more or less throughout. These two actors kept us totally engaged, as did Sir Anthony and Chubb in A Question of Attribution. Lighting, sound and scenic décor was totally keeping as was the wardrobe. This was good quality theatre in a tiny setting and the full house appreciated every moment.
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