Michael Frayn’s Spies opens at The Lowry next week

Apr 29 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

MICHAEL Frayn’s award-winning novel Spies has been turned into a stage play which comes to The Lowry at Salford Quays next week.

Frayn is one of Britain’s best-known playwrights, popular for modern classics like Noises Off, Donkeys Years, Copenhagen and Democracy.

His most recent novel Spies, is a gripping mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end. The novel won the Whitbread Novel of the Year award and received outstanding reviews on publication.

Set during the Second World War in a suburban close, two boys play at detectives. As they spy on their neighbours, hoping to uncover a German spy, they find themselves face to face with the one thing they had never suspected.

It’s a tale of childhood innocence colliding with adult secrets, an intriguing cross between Atonement, The Go-Between and Just William.

Theatre Alibi have turned Spies into a rich, funny and touching piece of theatre with compelling performances and a thrilling score played live on cello and accordion. The company has built a strong reputation for its distinctive style of contemporary storytelling.

Adapted by Daniel Jamieson, who writes for Theatre Alibi on a regular basis, Spies is directed by Nikki Sved, the company’s artistic director.

Spies can be seen at The Lowry at Salford Quays from May 6-10. Ring 0870 787 5793 or visit www.thelowry.com.