Adrian Harris, a former British operative who defected to Russia after he was discovered to be a Soviet spy, is interviewed in his dismal Moscow flat by a group of journalists from the Western press. The interview is highly antagonistic on both sides and as Harris is encouraged to resort more and more to whisky, the interviewers become more and more aggressive. The play ends with a twist that changes our understanding of the interview we have just seen.
This gripping, almost claustrophobic piece tackles such themes as class, patriotism, childhood, institutions and political values. John Le Mesurier called this the best part he ever had on television. His compelling performance earned him a BAFTA.Read More »