Dead Lies, by bestselling crime writer Hilary Bonner, is a political thriller inspired by the Jeremy Thorpe scandal of the 1970s. It offers plenty of political intrigue as well as sexual indiscretion, blackmail and murder. The play is cleverly brought up to date with references to current political misconduct and impropriety at Westminster, such as Partygate and the watching of porn on a phone by an MP.

The story takes place during a fiercely fought election campaign. Peter George, played by Holby City’s Jeremy Edwards, is a charismatic politician who thinks of himself as a good man and promises a new kind of sleaze-free politics based on honesty and integrity. The British public believe in him, admire him and expect him to restore trust in a broken political system.

But there is a shocking secret in Peter’s past... 

As the truth threatens to be exposed and the story takes various twists and turns, the audience is left wondering how far he will go to save his political career, and what those closest to him will do to save their own reputations. The final scene is startling and unexpected. 

Clever sets and good performances help make Dead Lies a credible and realistic experience. A solid work of theatre without ever shifting into the edge-of-your-seat category, it runs at Lichfield Garrick until Sunday 29 May.

Four stars.

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Lichfield Garrick on Tuesday 24 May. Dead Lies continues to show at Lichfield Garrick until Sunday 29 May. Dead Lies then plays Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Wed 29 - Thurs 30 June.