A Letter of Resignation

Conservative Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, receives a resignation letter from one of his minister's, Mr Profumo, who had lied to Parliament about his infidelity. John Profumo was a trusted minister and valued friend of the Prime Minister and thus Macmillan tries to protect him. However, it occurs that MI5 have known about the affair for years, and that the woman was also seeing a Russian spy, which posed a security risk. This threatens to bring the government down unless something is done.

Although the play concerns the Profumo affair, it actually concentrates more on Harold Macmillan's private life. Edward Fox is brilliant, playing 'Harold Macmillan'. He captures his mannerisms and look's perfectly. You warm to his character and can't help feeling sympathy for Macmillan, particularly during a flashback to 1929, when his wife, Lady Dorothy, admits to an affair with Robert Boothby MP. It is touching when Macmillan begs her to stay with him and agrees to allow her to continue the affair.

Edward Fox is not the only superb actor on stage. Clare Higgins also puts in a strong performance as 'Lady Dorothy'. A woman that, although is unfaithful to her husband, still loves him and tries to protect him.

The play has received good reviews from the popular press. BILL HAGERTY of THE NEWS OF THE WORLD says it is a "Must see" and goes on to say "A stunning and most moving performance from Edward Fox." STEVE GRANT of TIME OUT described the play as "Beautifully crafted." THE SUNDAY TIMES was very excited, describing it as engrossing and a traditional well-made play. PETER HEPPLE of THE STAGE says " A satisfying play of a type we have not seen for some time." NICOLAS DE JONGH of THE EVENING STANDARD says the play "Works as an adoring pen-portrait."

This is not a fast paced play, and there is not much happening when it comes to a plot. But, it is so well written, you can enjoy the continuous dialogue without getting bored. There are many entertaining stories told by Macmillan to his private secretary, which keep you gripped and a lot of moral stories that make you think!

(Darren Dalglish)