Breaking The Code UK Tour Review (Royal & Derngate, Northampton)

16 September 2025 I 19:00 I Royal & Derngate, Northampton

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite

Although the title Breaking the Code may suggest a play about the solving of the Enigma, this Royal & Derngate co-production focuses on the character and historical figure Alan Turing. Based on Andrew Hodges' biography and framed as a burglary investigated by Mick Ross (Niall Costigan), Jesse Jones directs the unfolding of Turing's life as it regrettably comes to an end.

Adapted for stage by Hugh Whitemore, Mark Edel-Hunt amazingly portrays the figure of Alan Turing with a stammer and awkwardness, showcasing his development into his true, unapologetic self. Turing states that he has no attachment or need for stuff, and this is beautifully reflected in Jonathan Fensom's set. With large windows and a towering ceiling, there is often a sense that Turing is symbolically insignificant in comparison.

Photography Credit: Manuel Harlan

The small cast of seven further emphasises the intimacy in Turing’s personal life, as we accompany him in his daily interactions. We meet people like Christopher Morcom (Joseph Edwards) who was Turing’s best friend at school, and his dear friend he made at Bletchley Park, Pat Green (Carla Harrison-Hodge).

Despite the underlying themes of war and homophobia, Whitmore's writing is abundant in comedy. Being on stage nearly the entire duration, Edel-Hunt brings so much enthusiasm for the machine, and his comedic timing is nothing short of hilarious. This is mirrored in the other characters, who attempt to understand Turing’s ramblings and the inner workings of his brain.

The references to the Enigma are lesser, where more accessible references to World War Two allow the audience to understand how Turing sees the world. It is almost as though Turing equates the Enigma to himself, emphasising how vital his legacy has been. Therefore when the play comes to a close, audiences are suddenly struck by reality in a truly bitter-sweet moment, to reinforce his history-changing discoveries in a demonstration of respect.

Photography Credit: Manuel Harlan

Unfortunately, due to the times Turing lived in, he was shunned for being himself. Despite his mother, played by Susie Trayling, and his friend Pat being supportive in their love for him, society's prejudices invalidate all he had done to save the war. When his mother is given the medal he received for his work in Bletchley Park, Ross states he doesn’t even know why he got it. The actors pause, and the auditorium goes still, a moment of grief and recognition.

These themes are echoed in the new epilogue written by Neil Bartlett, set as a presentation for LGBTQ+ week in a Sixth Form, where Edwards stands and speaks of Turing and his achievements. The final image prior to this epilogue was objectively more powerful to end on, although this additional final scene foregrounds the contemporary relevance of the play.

Today, we have many anxieties about war, technology and AI machines that thinks for themselves, which Turing frequently references. Most importantly, audiences are reminded not to be prejudiced, to not let one’s victories be diminished because of what makes them different to us. Jones' revival of Breaking The Code is a truly beautiful, relevant play apt for touring the UK this autumn.

Tickets and touring info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/breaking-the-code/