Philip Larkin: Masterspy comes to the Chorlton Arts Festival for one night only!
This Saturday, 9th May 2026, at 6pm , there will be a one-off performance of Philip Larkin: Masterspy as part of the annual Chorlton Arts Festival in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Greater Manchester. Daniel Thackeray as Philip Larkin and Carly Tarett as Raisa Gobacheva. Photo: Laura Kelly Here's a synopsis of the play (for those of you who haven't seen it yet): Mark Griffiths’ ingenious espionage farce inspired by real-life iconic figures. 1985. Tasked by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with carrying out an audacious piece of international espionage that could alter the course of the Cold War, legendary poet Philip Larkin must steal a top secret document from the handbag of Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev's wife, Raisa. But can the Hermit of Hull – ageing, infirm and almost pathologically grumpy – really turn James Bond and complete his dangerous mission? Watch trailer from last year: Mark Griffiths sold his first script at age 18. Since then he has written material for Roy Hudd,...