An Englishman Abroad is based on actress Coral Browne’s 1958 visit to Moscow with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she met the exiled English spy, Guy Burgess.

In writing the play Bennett was able to rely on Burgess’ letters to Browne, as well as “her original notes on his measurements and even his cheque, uncashed, for £6”

The action centres on Browne’s visit with Burgess in his dingy, seedy, chaotic Moscow flat, with a few scenes following Browne on the London errands she runs for Burgess to buy him a new suit and some pyjamas.

With its sharp insightful dialogue, ’An Englishman Abroad’ is a witty and touching short play.

Very well crafted, it makes its points easily and with just the right understatement.

In the play it is suggested that Burgess was a spy because he wanted a place where he was alone and that having a secret supplied this.

The play must have a strong sense of period and place. There should be an almost tangible sense of yearning for 'the old country’. It should make us smile ~ but also touch us.

For details of characters, see 'Cast' section below.

Full details of Woking Festival can be found on the festival website http://www.wokingdramafestival.org.uk/