Performance dates
7 August – 31 August 2024
13 reviews
Run time: 1hr 45mins (inc. interval)
Includes interval
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The best-selling show in the history of Jermyn Street Theatre, where it ran in Spring 2023, FARM HALL brings an extraordinary true story to life.
It is Summer 1945: Hitler is dead, but war in the Pacific rages on. The Allies have detained six of Germany’s most gifted nuclear scientists – including three Nobel Prize winners - at Farm Hall, a stately home just outside Cambridge. They entertain themselves with some redacted newspapers, a broken piano and a copy of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit. But their tranquil summer is shattered by the news that the Americans have succeeded where the Germans failed. The United States has not only built an atom bomb, it has used one against Japan. Unbeknownst to the scientists, during their stay, every inch of Farm Hall was bugged and their every reaction recorded. This play is inspired by the true events that took place at Farm Hall between July 1945 and January 1946.
The stellar cast includes David Yelland (The Crown, Chariots of Fire, Poirot), who plays the role of Max Von Laue; Alan Cox (Say My Name, Mrs Dalloway, Housewife, 49) who plays the role of Werner Heisenberg. Daniel Boyd (On Chesil Beach, Tiger House); who plays the part of Carl Friedrich von Weizsacker; Forbes Masson (EastEnders, Catastrophe) who plays the role of Otto Hahn; Julius D’Silva (The Crown, The Ten Commandments) who plays the role of Kurt Diebner and Archie Backhouse appears as Erich Bagge.
Recent Reviews
Two acts, 40 minutes and 50 minutes. A group of German nuclear scientists interned between VE and VJ days, the play is based on their recorded conversations about whether a nuclear bomb could be built, Nazism, professional rivalries, etc. Then comes VJ, which changes the conversation. The actors all spoke clearly, which was good. The set is one sitting room throughout. NB the theatre seats are very small, anyone over six feet will have an uncomfortable time.
Acting was awful, story was slow. Worst performance I’ve ever seen.
Excellent.
Very interesting play and to see the dynamics between the scientists and their annoyance at not making a nuclear bomb.
Intriguing and well acted play which explores an historical and moral question through the various characters. The audience was engaged to the end and left with a question to ponder. Well worth seeing.
It was brilliant well written and fabulous acting ??
Really good entertainment. Great acting.
Well written well e excited another look at a terrible time from a different perspective
Well written, well acted. Intellectually stimulating and pleasant to watch. Highly recommend.
An interesting play and very well acted. Seemed a bit old fashioned
Uninspiring, poor script, dull staging, wooden acting . Don’t stay for 2nd Act.
Great play
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