Overview
Synopsis
Hugh Whitemore’s biographical play tells the story of Alan Turing, a British mathematician who played a key role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War Two and developed early theories in computer science. However, despite his giant intellect, he was also a man who became trapped by his inability to lie. Moving back and forwards in time, the action is framed around a life-changing police interview in which Turing reports a burglary at his home, only to incriminate himself with the admission that he had been having an affair with the man who robbed him. In an era when homosexuality was against the law, Turing’s admission became his downfall. Sentenced to body-altering hormone therapy, Turing’s reputation is in tatters and his past glory is now perceived as a threat to national security. Caught in a problem that even he cannot solve, Turing ends his life and finally breaks his own code.
Show Information
- Book
- Hugh Whitemore
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1986
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Multiple Settings, Period
- Time & Place
- England, 1920s-1950s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, College/University, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A speech given by a character that reveals inner thoughts only shared with the audience.
The war between the Axis and the Allies, beginning on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland and ending with the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945, and of Japan on August 14, 1945.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher