Pack Of Lies Review

Pack of Lies by Hugh Whitmore dramatises events in Ruislip in the early 60s which let to the arrest of the Krogers; the outwardly neighbourlt 'Canadians' who turned out to be spying for the KGB. Blackmore Players' production skillfully drew the audience into this story of friendships betrayed and innocence lost with a realistic portrayal of the ordinary friends whose lives are turned upside down.

Glenys Young as Barbara Jackson looked wonderfully anxious and nervy throughout as she fussed over her wayward daughter, ably played by Sandra Trott, and contrasted beautifully with the exuberant warmth of Barbara O'Kelly as Helen Kroger.

Paul O'Kelly played an enigmatic Peter Kroger who gave nothing away, while Barry Young gave a strong and well-paced performance as the mysterious Mr Stewart, the man from the MI5 whose surveillance operation led to the Krogers downfall. Naomi Chance and Ann Morris were reassuringly down-to-earth secret agents, and the sense of realism was enhanced by a detailed and authentic set, although the minor adjustments made between each scene tended to slow the plot down.

However, the beautifully observed performance of Vic Miller as the genial bewildered Bob Jackson was genuinely moving, and his final speech reporting Helen Kroger's bitter denunciation, and the untimely death of his wife drew gasps from the audience.

An excellent production from Martin Herford.
Joy Dunn - 'Go!' part of the Essex Chronicle Series

Tonight is the first night of the Blackmore Players production of Night Must Fall

To book tickets please ring 01277 372386.