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, Smith and Jones and Charlie Brooker, as well as several plays, including the acclaimed piece about Douglas Adams, We Apologise for the Inconvenience, and this year's Hair of the Dog.

Suitable for audiences 15+. Trigger warnings: contains swearing, attitudes that reflect the time in which the play is set, and references to sex, pornography, illness and death.

Excitingly, actors Daniel Thackeray and Carly Tarett will reprise their roles and the special new music by Paul Phillips and voiceover by Leah Marks (that were added to the show for the second part of the 2025 tour) willl be retained.

Wherever we have performed it, Philip Larkin: Masterspy has been loved by both Larkin connoisseurs and general audiences for its inventiveness and wit, and it's great to be giving it another outing.

The performance will be from 6pm-7pm (contrary to some promotional literature which gives an erroneous start time of 4.30) at the function room at the Royal Oak pub, 440 Barlow Moor Road, M21 0BQ. Tickets are £10 or £8 concessional, which will include donations to the festival and venue. This can be paid on the door in cash or via PayPal. Unfortunately advance booking is not available, so please turn up early for the best seats!

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