Spies

Published Tuesday 26 February 2008 at 19:15 by Andrew Blades

World War II must have inspired more dramatisations than any other event in 20th-century history, yet writers continue to be fascinated with its rich narrative opportunities. While the illicit affairs and childhood role play of Spies do not mine any new territory, they are put together with care and commitment in this new adaptation by Daniel Jamieson.

To a soundtrack of wistful accordion, Stefan, played by Derek Frood, pieces together his memories of the wartime era, introducing us to his childhood self and his playmate Keith, played by John-Paul Macleod. There is an air of L P Hartley’s The Go-Between as he recounts getting caught up in an adult world of secret signs and codes, of far more consequence than his own immature games of espionage in a secret hideout. Frood is likeably avuncular in the role, while Benjamin Warren, playing his younger self, is equally engaging, and turns in a fine performance as the play gets darker and more tangled. We see him age rapidly, and his transformation from tousled gawk to troubled young man is convincing and moving. Elsewhere, Jordan Whyte brings great melancholy to the role of Mrs Hayward, tormented by divided loyalties, while Christian Flint and Cerianne Roberts show great versatility in their trios of supporting roles.

Adapting an award-winning novel by a writer who also happens to be a dramatist must be quite a daunting task. It’s one in which Daniel Jamieson acquits himself, and this version of Spies is well worth seeing.