Breaking the Code
by Hugh Whitemore

Name: Breaking the Code
Brand: Hugh Whitemore
SKU: 9780573016561
Rating: 3.79 (209 reviews)

Breaking the Code Book Cover — Breaking the Code Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 minsBritish

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the compelling storytelling and strong character development in this play about Alan Turing. Many find the historical context, particularly regarding WWII and societal issues, particularly engaging. The adaptation from the book is praised for its depth and insight, though some note that knowledge of the outcome may lessen suspense for viewers unfamiliar with Turing's story.

Engaging historical contextStrong character developmentExcellent adaptation of the bookMay lack suspense for some viewers

Synopsis

Derek Jacobi took London and Broadway by storm in this exceptional biographical drama about a man who broke too many codes: the eccentric genius Alan Turing who played a major role in winning the World War II; he broke the complex German code called Enigma, enabling allied forces to foresee German manoeuvres.

Since his work was classified top secret for years after the war, no one knew how much was owed to him when he was put on trial for breaking another code the taboo against homosexuality.

Turing, who was also the first to conceive of computers, was convicted of the criminal act of homosexuality and sentenced to undergo hormone treatments which left him physically and mentally debilitated.

He died a suicide, forgotten and alone.

This play is about who he was, what happened to him and why.