Browse > Home / Reviews / Spies

Spies

May 7, 2008

Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 7th May, 2008

star

Michael Frayn’s Spies promises a great deal but ends up being a boy’s own adventure; deeply old fashioned, sweet natured but largely, fairly predictable. The acclaimed Theatre Alibi and Oxford Playhouse attempt to do something fresh with the text, by adding live music and the odd song. But, for much of the running time, these additions merely hinder the drama.

Set during the Second World War, the narrative focuses on suburban life, rather than the lives of the soldiers. Two boys play at being detectives, hoping to uncover a German spy. These innocents play with fire and uncover far more than they bargained for. so far, so jolly little yarn which is well acted by a strong cast.

The problem is, that it is pitched somewhere between A Level students and fans of Frayn’s previous efforts, but pleases neither of them, all of the tme. For example, the musical elements drew sniggers from the younger members of the audience, on the night I attended. Likewise, the ‘jolly hockey-sticks’ approach to story telling, feels slightly twee for an adult audience.

There are moments of brilliance though and it is not without great scenes. Many of the dream sequences work wonderfully, evoking childhood and the stories we create in our minds. Nikki Sved’s direction does go round in circles and much of the plot features many of the cast running round the set, back and forth, hammering home the messages within.

Benjamin Warren is excellent as Stephen, the young would-be detective. Derek Frood is also very engaging as Stefan, the narrator with a secret. Jordan Whyte and Cerianne Roberts impress as incredibly strong females.

Stefan’s tales are entirely watchable and the clever set design captures the almost ‘picket-fence’ nature of suburban life, where neighbours spy on each other over the privet hedges. But, it is all very reminscent of a Sunday afternoon drama on BBC 1 from years gone by.

Ultimately, Spies is mildly diverting, but you rightfully expect more from the writer of Noises Off, Democracy and Copenhagen.

-Glenn Meads

Filed Under Reviews 

Comments

Comments are closed.