In 1942 Churchill formed the Special Operations Executive (SOE), which became known as ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’. Lieutenant John Cox was called up to join and went on to parachute behind enemy lines into France in 1944 to collaborate with the French Resistance in harrying the German forces. Ed Saunders-Lee is his step-grandson, and from family letters and memories he has constructed this thrilling tale of adventure.
Saunders-Lee gives a fine performance as John Cox, appearing every inch the soldier – although this feels like a modern interpretation of a Second World War hero. He plays a man with his emotions closer to the surface than we expect of an officer from that era. In contrast, a recording of a letter from him to the mother of a fallen colleague reveals a more reserved and matter-of-fact figure.
Yet this interpretation gives us a more engaging man of action. Saunders-Lee is at his best in these dynamic moments, as he makes full use of the stage and simple props. His movement when performing a parachute jump or crouching into cover is beautifully executed while his narration continues uninterrupted. These moments are supplemented by an excellent soundscape from Dan Hill adding to the atmosphere, whether that is the inside of an aeroplane heading for occupied France, or providing the voice of a Commanding Officer for John to interact with.
Saunders-Lee has done well to turn a cache of letters into a coherent narrative, but the chronological nature of the run through John Cox’s adventures does make for an episodic tale. The fact he is telling the story gives the game away about his survival and detracts from the tension that the story is well-placed to create. It also makes it harder to build in reflection and consideration for what all the death and killing has meant.
But let’s not get too hung up on that. This is a ripping yarn, an exciting boy’s own adventure which plays proper tribute to a hero of Churchill’s Secret Army.
I Am Yours Sincerely is at theSpaceTriplex – Studio until Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 14:55
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