Julian Mitchell’s play is loosely based on spy Guy Burgess – Guy Bennett in the play. Set in a public school in the 1930s, it explores the link between political awareness and sexual identity, highlighting the hypocrisy and snobbery of English public schools and suggesting a possible justification for Burgess’s treachery.

Bennett and Judd become friends. Both are outsiders in a closed school circle – Bennett openly homosexual, while Judd is a Marxist. They struggle to survive this rarefied atmosphere but are not helped by their rebellious nature.

Although the play is a serious plea against hypocrisy and bigotry, there is plenty of comedy, notably during a tea party for a visiting uncle, stylishly played by Julian Wadham with the air of a libertine.

Will Attenborough manages to breathe some life into Judd, the less showy of the two main parts, forever spouting ideology and boring people. He does get a good scene where he sacrifices his principles for the sake of the common good.

As the outrageous Bennett, Rob Callender mixes camp humour with the delicacy of falling in love and the realisation that he is truly gay.

They are strongly supported by the other cast members.