Breaking The Code, Altrincham Garrick

ALAN Turing's fall from grace was as heartbreaking as it was distasteful.

The brilliant mathematician and computer scientist turns the tide of the Second World War by cracking the supposedly uncrackable Enigma code.

Seven years after peace is declared he's prosecuted for homosexuality. Disgusting, abhorrent and it all took place in a country that sets itself up as a bastion of fair play.

This remarkable man's demise and genius are remembered in Breaking The Code, Hugh Whitemore's exceptional and beautifully crafted play currently at Altrincham Garrick.

For me, this is the company's best production of the year so far thanks to the expert and clever direction of Barry Purves.

Purves and a strong cast ensure this engrossing tale has maximum impact and the Garrick's intimate Lauriston Studio also plays its part in making sure it's impossible to remain impervious to the sheer power of the piece.

Paul Wilson really impressed me in An Inspector Calls on the main stage but as Turing he manages to raise the bar even higher.

Paul conveys Turing's immense intellect and the character's vulnerability with an equal amount of conviction.

This is particularly apparent when Turing confronts his light-fingered lover Ron Miller, an excellent Anthony Morris, over some missing money.

Mark Edgar is also a study in versatility as the hard nosed copper Mick Ross and the avuncular, lovable Dillwyn Knox, one of Alan Turing's contemporaries at Bletchley Park.

While this is sad tale there is a healthy sprinkling of humour throughout Whitemore's classy, cliche free script. But brace yourselves for an ending that's sure to leave everyone but the heartless choked up.

The production runs until Saturday but is sold out. Some extra tickets may be made available through returns. Call 0161 928 1677.

RICK BOWEN