This successful revival of Alan Bennett’s 1988 espionage double-bill looks at the lives of Cambridge 5 spies Guy Burgess in Moscow and Anthony Blunt in London. It is split into two acts: the first, An Englishman Abroad, with Nicholas Farrall as Burgess against Belinda Lang as actress Coral Browne; the second, A Question of Attribution, with David Robb as Blunt and Lang this time as H.M. The Queen.
Peter McKintosh’s dexterous design is dominated by sinister Stalins in the first act, then classical art in Act II. It contrasts Burgess’ slovenly apartment against the pristine Palace. Coral Browne proves herself sympathetic to Burgess, even fitting him with a London suit, but more out of sorrow over his isolation than being taken in by the Communist cause. While Blunt’s conversation with the Queen over art forgeries has a double meaning of his so far hidden treason.
Farrall’s Burgess is hardly radical but very vulnerable and perhaps conflicted. In Act II Farrall plays Chubb who is investigating the spy ring and slowly encouraging Blunt to divulge information, though there is more discussion of art history than there is of his other treacherous profession. As ever Bennett’s dialogue is clever and witty throughout, and director Rachel Kavanaugh makes sure this is well-paced and draws out every last chuckle of humour. Although the action may seem a tad dated the production has a contemporary feel too, especially given the current British regime’s obsession with leaked information. Well-observed and perfectly performed.
Reviewed by Rich Jevons at Leeds Grand Theatre on 12 April. touring: http://markgoucher.com/alan-bennetts-single-spies/