Cleverly written with a clear emotional journey and filled with a good smattering of humour, this is an enjoyable show, co-created by two of the performers, Charlie Turner who is the Agent, and Alex Macfarlane who has a cameo as the Waiter. A Cold War romance, it is a light-hearted and endearing watch and while the ending is perhaps a little improbable, the show itself captures the audience with never a dull moment.
The two spies, a sharp Ella Sheree and a charmingly naïve Turner, they are entirely believable as a young couple wanting to do the best for their countries but also discovering a mutual liking for each other that develops into love. While Sheree needs to pick up the volume at the beginning of the piece, this soon settles in and is the only quibble with the acting. Overall, the two performers are strong and manage to bring depth to the characters in the limited time of the play.
While it does not have the fatalism of a film noir, there is a good slice of atmosphere in the piece and helps the audience to buy into the storyline. The sight lines in the venue are tricky as there is no raked seating, but despite this it is very much worth the watch due to the strength of the writing and performance.
Show Time: 18-23 August @ 17:25
Running Time: 50mins
Ticket Prices: £6-£8
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-covert-affair
Space accessibility: Accessible entry: If not taking the lift it is 14 steps into the space. Wheelchair access type: Lift (Platform Lift). Stairs: 11- 20. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair accessible toilets.
Warnings: Nudity, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing. Age suitability: 12+ (guideline). Babes in arms policy: babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: children under 18 months. May not apply to all performances.