Longing for gossip

Espionage and intrigue flavour this Olivier Award winning production of Single Spies.

TV star Nigel Havers takes centre stage in this Alan Bennett play which has been directed by Christopher Luscombe.

Single Spies first opened in 1988 to rave reviews in the West End, and its revival is fresh with Bennett’s trademark wit.

Back in the 80s the West End play captured the imagination of a nation fascinated by MI6 and double agents.

It follows the real life story of notorious spy Guy Burgess, living in 1950s Moscow. The Cambridge educated diplomat was a key English double agent but defected to the Soviet Union causing an international scandal.

He soon finds that life under Communist rule is not quite as rosy as he had hoped and a life of alcohol fuelled misery unfolds, interrupted only by a chance encounter with actress Coral Browne.

Opening his heart to the silver screen star he reveals his homesickness for England from which he is exiled. Burgess pleads with Browne to have some suits tailored for him in London, and the amusing, poignant tale sees a broken man longing for society gossip.

Alan Bennett was so fascinated by this anecdote that he adapted it twice, first for the BBC in 1983 and then for the stage five years later.

Haver’s performance gives Britain’s most infamous traitor a humility and heart. His unmistakable Englishness lost in a sea of vodka and fur-coated Russians.

Performances at the Wycombe Swan run from Monday, May 12-17.

Details on 01494 512000 or at www.wycombeswan.co.uk