FARM HALL by Katherine Moar

 

The best-selling show in the history of Jermyn Street Theatre, where it ran in Spring 2023, FARM HALL brings an extraordinary true story to life.

 

It is Summer 1945: Hitler is dead, but war in the Pacific rages on. The Allies have detained six of Germany’s most gifted nuclear scientists – including three Nobel Prize winners - at Farm Hall, a stately home just outside Cambridge. They entertain themselves with some redacted newspapers, a broken piano and a copy of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit. But their tranquil summer is shattered by the news that the Americans have succeeded where the Germans failed. The United States has not only built an atom bomb, it has used one against Japan. Unbeknownst to the scientists, during their stay, every inch of Farm Hall was bugged and their every reaction recorded. This play is inspired by the true events that took place at Farm Hall between July 1945 and January 1946.

 

The stellar cast includes David Yelland (The Crown, Chariots of Fire, Poirot), who plays the role of Max Von Laue; Alan Cox (Say My Name, Mrs Dalloway, Housewife, 49) who plays the role of Werner Heisenberg. Daniel Boyd (On Chesil Beach, Tiger House); who plays the part of Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker; Forbes Masson (EastEnders, Catastrophe) who plays the role of Otto Hahn; Julius D’Silva (The Crown, The Ten Commandments) who plays the role of Kurt Diebner and Archie Backhouse appears as Erich Bagge.

 

‘A riveting wartime thriller…directed by Stephen Unwin with elegant economy. Searing performances…a punchy accomplished play’ The Guardian ****

 

‘Alan Cox…a superbly detailed performance. David Yelland, Forbes Masson, Julius D’Silva, Daniel Boyd and Archie Backhouse complete a strong cast. Subtle, thoughtful new plays are rare. This is one.’ Sunday Times ****

 

‘Katherine Moar’s riveting debut play’ Daily Mail ****

 

‘A strong ensemble…thoroughly absorbing, beautifully acted’ Times ****

 

‘Exquisite performances…a fascinating new play’ Mail on Sunday ****

 

‘One of the best new plays of the year’ Michael Billington, Country Life