Following his 2017 production of Miss Julie, Tom returned to Theatre by the Lake to direct Single Spies, which then played at Theatre Royal York.
Alan Bennett’s Olivier award-winning comedy masterpiece explores one of Britain’s most fascinating stories of espionage – that of Guy Burgess and Anthony Blunt; their secret identities, hidden motivations and a rather unexpected interrogation by the Queen. A compelling double bill of forgery, fraud and Soviet spies.
★★★★ “Intelligently handled and thought provoking productions of two Alan Bennett classics.” The Stage
★★★★ “The actors perform Bennett’s dialogue wonderfully, such that it is totally engrossing and naturally delivered … engrossing and intriguing.” North West End (York)
★★★★★ “Tom Littler’s direction makes this classic piece fresh for a new generation.” North West End (Cumbria)
“Tom Littler has taken full control of this strange and fascinating episode in our recent history.” Stagey Lady
“The acting is wonderfully rich … Tom Littler’s intelligent and unfussy direction allows the writing to speak for itself, and Single Spies represents Alan Bennett at the height of his powers.” British Theatre Guide
Creative Team
Designer – Louie Whitemore
Lighting Designer – Andrew Lindsay
Sound Designer – Richard Bell
Associate Director – Gabriella Bird
Cast
Karen Ascoe, James Dukes, Theo Fraser-Steele, Oliver Mott, Thomas Richardson, Toby Vaughan