Archived Programme

2000 - Pack of Lies

Cast:
Bob Jackson .......................... Mike Smith
Barbara Jackson .......................... Ann Atkins
Julie Jackson .......................... Nicki Seamarks
Helen Kroger .......................... Jane Parker
Peter Kroger .......................... Steve Mallinson
Stewart .......................... Ian Townsend
Thelma .......................... Louise Platt
Sally .......................... Jenny Savill
Director's Notes
On a quiet street in London's suburbs treachery lurks behind the privet hedges. Close friends are highly suspect and trust is ousted by deceit. A placid world turns sordid as innocent and guilty alike are led up and down the garden path.

The author has woven together fact and fiction but the real events of that autumn and winter of 1960-61 ermain unobscured. Even the elusive 'man from the ministry' was contacted but the author was politely reminded that there was always the official secrets act and... 'a total embargo on interviews of any kind'.

Why shouldn't we ask questions of those in charge of our national security? Can we be certain they invariably act wisely? Who gave them their authority and who is to prevent them from abusing it?

This ingenious play keeps us agog and it is not afraid to lift stones to reveal squirming things. Ultimately, secrecy prevails. What is exposed is the caustic and fatal erosion of the individual. Meanwhile --- we watch the watchers and the watched, waiting, wondering. . .
Robert Atkins