REVIEW: Any Means Necessary at the Nottingham Playhouse

In 2011, it came to light that an undercover police spy had been living amongst Nottingham activists for years, not only spying on legitimate protest groups but also engaging long term relationships with women in their undercover persona.
Photo by Robert DayPhoto by Robert Day
Photo by Robert Day

Inspired by interviews with many of those involved, Any Means Necessary is a fictionalised account of what happened, how the abuse was perpetrated, the emotional costs and the women’s drive to find out the truth about the men they thought they knew.

The play explores the relationships that were born out of deception and puts focus on undercover officer Dave and Nottingham activist Mel played convincingly by Samuel Oatley and Kate Sissons.

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Nicholas Karimi plays both Mel’s friend Gav and Dave’s boss Jimmy and is brilliant at both roles.

Photo by Robert DayPhoto by Robert Day
Photo by Robert Day

A modern set and clever use of audio and video helps give the play a fresh and dramatic feeling while the on stage action shows just how deep the deception went and the impact it had on those involved.

As the play goes on the action draws you in further and leaves you with a sense of disbelief.

Any Means Necessary, directed by Giles Croft, is at the Nottingham Playhouse until February 20.

For tickets and more information visit www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 941 9419.

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