Breaking The Code — Curzon Theatre Productions Review. 5 Stars!
Alan Turing was an interesting man. He helped win World War Two by breaking the German code Enigma and broke many other codes for scientific and mathematical developments. But as this play title suggests, Breaking The Code explores not only Turing’s achievements, but his personal life in which he was put on trial for being a homosexual — something that was illegal back then. This play attempted to break the Turing code of what really happened to him and why he took his own life. This was performed with such respect and authenticity from the cast involved, that it was easy to get absorbed in the action that evolved in front of us.
Despite some technical glitches with the projector and some water spilled on stage, Curzon Theatre Productions showed a world in which a lost soul tried to find his own way in a time that was full of change, freedom, and yet…still kept hitting his head against a brick wall when it came to his own sexuality. His mental health was challenged by painful anxiety and found it difficult to connect to people; unless of course it was mathematical problems and codes (which he clearly relished in), as well as his close relationship with his mother.
Every single member of the cast had clearly researched in great depth the era, characteristics and quirks to make each character come to life and displayed a huge amount of trust in each other as they explored some difficult subjects at times — including suicide. Therefore, it needs to be noted here that Breaking The Code is not for those who are easily triggered by these sensitive issues. However, if you are someone who is interested in a person who broke a lot of rules despite wanting a quiet life, then this was a once in a life time opportunity to celebrate and experience Turin himself and appreciate him as a person, not just someone with an exciting mind who thought out of the box.
With this in mind, the cast themselves need to be celebrated. Starting with Robert Tremayne who took on the task of playing Turin. From the beginning of the play, we were mesmerized by the nervousness of the character and his ways of coping with anxiety — including biting his thumbnail — as he tentatively reported a burglary. Tremayne had exactly the right balance of intense anxiety, seriousness and humour as he drew us into his emotional journey, yet pushed us away at the same time when things got too close for comfort. He showed someone who was vulnerable and child-like, even when he was showing off his mind to those whom he did connect with. This was a charming, yet sensitive portrayal of the great man himself, that we saw Turin on stage, not Tremayne.
Maurice Humphries in contrast played officer Mick Ross, who led the burglary inquiry in the first instance, only to find out Turin’s secret behind the incident. To take on a character like this needs focus and grit as each layer is pulled away and Humphries not only showed a calm, yet honest approach to Turin’s report, but was equally mindful of the stress Turin was under at the time. Whilst it can be easy to play Ross as a stereotypical officer of the era, it was pleasant to see a well rounded portrayal, which made him easy to engage with.
Vicky Newman took on Turin’s interfering mother Sara. This role was not only humorous and eccentric, but Newman gave a dynamic performance as she tried to understand her son in his own eccentricities through her persistent nosiness. But as she discovered the truth behind her son’s actions, she conducted herself with such raw emotion and dignity as she showed that despite her disapproval of his lifestyle, she loved him as he was. This made her extremely engaging to watch and would suggest that Newman is a force to be reckoned with.
Ron Miller was one of Turin’s lovers and was performed with such commitment by Ben Anderson. The connection between him and Tremayne was one that was full of trust as they explored the dynamic between someone who was potentially behind the burglary originally and a nervous victim as it were. The way he charmed his way into Turin’s life was enjoyable to watch, despite us having a feeling something was not right about him.
Lauren Whedbee played one of Turin’s close female friends Pat Green, whom he worked with on Enigma. The raw feeling of love for him despite being rejected was heartbreaking as she maintained hope for a relationship, but as they evolved into friends, you could really appreciate the respective journeys they had taken as individuals to get to the closeness they had then. Whedbee was so enjoyable to watch as a performer, but it was the fact she had directed this play with Eva Poppy that made the vision come to life and we appreciated her for her dynamic use of the space and props used.
Michael Burke took on two characters — childhood friend Christopher and Turin’s Greek lover Nikos. Both characters were so well distinguished that at one point, I really thought that another actor had been brought in to play Nikos especially! That for me is the sign of an extremely versatile actor who throws themselves into multi-roles with commitment and vigor, and is exciting to watch.
One character that I felt a genuine connection with was David Balfe’s sensitive portrayal of the man who was one of the driving forces of breaking Enigma — Dillwyn Knox. Balfe showed great sensitivity as he took on a man who broke his own codes in his own way in life, but kept it away from the limelight. Memory loss and severe illness can be difficult to portray on stage, but Balfe kept things very simple and gave an honest performance where he told the young Turin his own life lessons and tried to subtly help him when things started unravelling in life and work. It was powerful and engaging.
Finally Andrew Wesby played the real enigma of the piece John Smith, who seemed to work for a government authority and wanted to keep certain secrets as they were — behind closed doors before things got out of hand. It can be difficult playing a role like this, but Wesby kept control of the stage as he pulled Turin up on his indiscretions and more with a subtle menace to his words. Mesmerising and intriguing to watch.
Putting all these amazing people together with a simple set and extremely effective lighting, Breaking The Code was a show that was respectful, authentic and sensitively handled. If they put it on again, then go and see it — it is extremely worthwhile watching. Plus you may want to check out their future productions such as Sheridan’s The School of Scandal and Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Sascha Cooper 2nd August 2022, The Curzon Bar Theatre, Kemptown, Brighton.
