A Covert Affair – Venue 39 at theSpace on the Mile

A Covert Affair is brought to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe by Belvedere Productions.  This new play written by Alex Macfarlane and co-written by Charlie Turner explores a potentially romantic connection between two agents from opposing states. A Covert Affair is a flirty and fantastic and very well constructed play. Before hitting the Fringe, A Covert Affair had its first run at a scratch night where the play’s first scene was performed.

Now at the Fringe, Belvedere Productions have pulled all the stops to deliver a professional quality play. Great attention was put into the set, sound and lighting. The room was packed to the max which was great to see however only from the front row and from certain spaces off the sides could the full effect of the stage be appreciated. Nonetheless, the stage was split into three sections a restaurant, a bedroom, and a place where the agents gave updates. This technique was very time efficient because scene changes were done with some quick and simple work on the lights without the need to move anything around and yet it was still clear that they were in a different area. The realism of the play was also enhanced with small details such as the actors actually drinking and eating food. This gave way for a more natural delivery of lines because the actors had to pace them in such a way that allowed room for chewing and swallowing.

Another noteworthy detail was how well the whole cast worked together. All actors had an amazing stage chemistry and worked like a well-oiled machine which made the performance all the more enjoyable. Isaac O’Brien who voiced Provoloka (Russian Wire) had lines that overlapped with Alex Macfarlane’s (British Wire) which increased the tension of the scene and worked due to the actors good timing. Ella Sheree who played the Russian Comrade put on a realistic Russian accent (albeit a few slips) and created a complex character who developed from detached and independent to fiercely loving. Charlie Turner who played the British Agent portrayed the character as jittery and slightly fearful, as the play progressed Turner showed how Agent overcame and worked through that fear. The contrast between the two leads worked really well and created a dynamic performance.

A Covert Affair runs until the 23^rd of August with tickets available at: https://www.thespaceuk.com/shows/2025/

Reviewer: Marcelina Kruczynska

Reviewed: 16th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: