Coventry Telegraph : Review: Ciphers, at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Review: Ciphers, at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Ciphers explores the murky nature of identity as well as professional and personal deceit and betrayal

By Steve Adams | November 20, 2013

Writer Dawn King’s new play was apparently inspired by the death of Gareth Williams, the MI6 agent whose body was found locked inside a sports bag three years ago, and is especially timely given the police’s recent re-investigation of the case.

Just last week they announced Williams’ death was “probably accidental” even though the original coroner said it was almost certainly down to foul play. It’s unlikely the truth will ever be known, and that premise is at the heart of Out of Joint’s latest production Ciphers, which also features the death of a spy, as well as the attempts of her family – in this case her sister – to find out what really happened.

There’s much more to this engrossing thriller than that, not least the way it explores the murky nature of identity as well as professional and personal deceit and betrayal, conveyed through parallel storylines that mirror, and often blur, the worlds of espionage and real life.

The mixed identity cause is aided by an excellent four-strong cast who each play double roles – Grainne Keenan giving a standout performance as fledgling spy Justine and her grieving sister Kerry – and a simple yet effective stage set of grainy moving screens that provide the blank canvas for a drama that is fittingly full of grey areas.

Coventry Telegraph : Play looks at truth about lies

Play looks at truth about lies

Ciphers, which runs at Warwick Arts Centre, is based on the true story of MI6 agent Gareth Williams found dead in a sports bag.

By Catherine Vonledebur | November 19, 2013

Inspired by the true story of the MI6 agent Gareth Williams found dead, padlocked in a sports bag, new spy thriller Ciphers asks how well you can really know someone who lies for a living.

When Justine is found dead her sister Kerry sets out to find out what happened, and stumbles into a world of secrets and subterfuge that makes her question who Justine really was.

Ciphers is a smart, provocative thriller about spies, double agents and the opaqueness of the human soul.

It was written by Dawn King, and directed by theatre’s rising star Blanche McIntyre – recently named Best Director at the TMA UK Theatre Awards 2013 for Headlong’s The Seagull – reunited following their work together on Dawn’s first play, Foxfinder.

Max Stafford-Clark, artistic director of Out of Joint theatre company, said: “Since Blanche worked at Out of Joint as my associate in 2008, I have watched the extraordinary success of her glowing career with enormous interest and pride.

“I am delighted she is returning to Out of Joint to continue her excellent work with Dawn King.”

As one of 10 writers chosen for the BBC Writersroom 10 scheme in 2012, Dawn wrote Ciphers as West Yorkshire Playhouse’s writer-in-residence. She is currently taking part in Channel 4’s TV writing scheme, 4 Screenwriting 2013.

Out of Joint returns to Warwick Arts Centre, following its hit production of Top Girls. Ciphers is a joint production with Bush Theatre and Exeter Northcott Theatre.

The production is suitable for ages 14+ and runs until to Saturday. There is a post show talk tonight. For details visit www.warwickartscentre.co.uk