The Hartlepool Spy

1804. Britain is, just for a change, at war with France.

Napoleon's spies are everywhere. Towns and villages along the east coast are on high alert. Ships from Bonaparte's navy have been spotted just beyond the range of English artillery, looking for weaknesses in defence. Invasion is expected any day.

When times are tough, people look for strong leadership.

Alas, the people of the North Eastern fishing town of Hartlepool have a corrupt mayor, Tucker Palmer and a narcissistic vicar, Rev William Ferrier. The two men can't stand one another, each (correctly) suspecting the other of lining his pocket at the expense of the parish, and each in competition for the favour of local land-owner aristo Lady Embleton.

One Sunday morning, Lady Embleton, Mayor Palmer and his formidable wife Mrs Palmer are in the front pew as Ferrier delivers an impassioned sermon about the vain delusions of those with earthly power, when news comes from the harbour. A French ship has been spotted and it's heading their way.

Emmy-winning writer Ian Martin's dark comedy on the timeless themes of xenophobia, groupthink and fake news, about the perilous mental landscape of suspended disbelief.

And, through the petty bickering of a town in fear, it explores just how greedy and stupid people can really be.

Starring Michael Palin.

All-star comedy-drama written by Ian Martin.

Cavendish