Breaking the Code at The Electric Theatre. March 2024
Essential Surrey Magazine ★★★★
‘A thought-provoking, emotional and moving evening at the theatre….. another Guildbury Theatre Company tour de force…..Oscar Heron gives a bravura performance….. Eleanor Shaikh as Alan’s mother – another sensitive and moving performance. Read the review in full
The Guildford Dragon ★★★
‘In the role of Alan Turing, Oscar Heron gave a credible performance – especially after the interval. Playing Alan as a child alongside Christopher Morcom (played by Dean Slade), brought a smile to my face as both Oscar and Dean captured the awkwardness of children being interrogated by a parent.’ Read the review in full
NODA Report – ‘Director Oliver Bruce was brave to take on this challenging play, but I suspect he knew that he could pull it off, once he had his talented team in place. So, Guildburys, your audiences are as ever so thankful that you provide such top quality thought-provoking drama in our local area.’ Read the report in full
An exceptional biographical drama about a man who broke too many codes: the eccentric genius Alan Turing.
Turing led the team that cracked the impenetrable enigma codes used by the Nazis in World War II, effectively winning the war for the Allies. Until recently his life was kept under wraps, when it was discovered that as a homosexual male – a crime in 1950’s Britain – Turing was prosecuted for his ‘crime’ by the very government he had worked so tirelessly for.
Given the choice between chemical castration and imprisonment, he chose the former, committing suicide 2 years later.
An extraordinarily powerful play that has to be seen to be believed.
The Enigma Machine
The Enigma Machine in our publicity images is a full and accurate working replica and was specially made for the award winning film, ‘Enigma’ starring Kate Winslett. There will be an opportunity for audiences to see it up close at the end of each performance. With thanks to Terry Main and supplied by Otterfix Effects
Read the programme here
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Turing’s links to Guildford.Turing’s parents, Julius and Ethel Sara, moved to 8 Ennismore Avenue, Guildford (now renumbered as 22), following his father’s retirement from the Indian Civil Service in 1927. Although away at school for long periods, Guildford gave Turing his first proper home and the family would go for long walks in Stoke Park and on the North Downs. He continued to visit the family home whilst studying at King’s College, Cambridge. Photography Jonathan Constant. Design & Marketing @ Guildburys Theatre Company |
This amateur production of Breaking the Code is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd
