Pack of Lies

The strengths of this Cold War spy docudrama are splendidly conceived dialogue played expertly by a shrewdly chosen cast. It was slick, entertaining and engaging. Congratulations, director, Dale Murison.

It is based on reality. In the paranoia period, 1961,when both Britain and the USA were obsessed with Russian spies, an American couple (masquerading as Canadians) in suburban London were suspected by MI5 of spying. Names of all characters in the play have been changed.

Whitemore’s concern here is how MI5 attempted to implicate innocent neighbours in convenient homes from which observations were possible. We are engaged by the thought: How would I feel if MI5 (or ASIO) sought permission to use my house for a couple of days, then weeks, to observe my closest friends across the street, without telling me what is going on or why?  

Cheryl Bartlett (Barbara) expertly portrays the intrusion and confusion of her home as the investigators subtly take over. Andrew Clulow, the attractive and personable Stewart (of MI5 though he never reveals that) becomes increasingly manipulative and demanding as the investigation develops – another splendid performance. Andrew Wallace (Barbara’s do-the-right-thing husband) and Sarah Fowkes (Julie, their daughter who should be preparing for examinations), Linda Novicky (Helen) and Kurt Lerps (her husband) who portray the wonderful neighbours, all shine. Meg Hazelwood and Katie Freeman (as Thelma and Sally, the MI5 observers) portray inoffensive and friendly interlopers in Barbara’s home.

This is community theatre at its best.

Jay McKee