In the quiet neighborhood of Ruislip, an unsuspecting bungalow at 45 Cranley Drive became a hub for the infamous Portland spy ring between 1954 and 1961. American spies Lona and Morris Cohen, operating under the aliases Helen and Peter Kroger, passed on British nuclear secrets to the KGB. The Cohens were experienced Russian spies, previously involved in the Manhattan Project during the 1940s.
Their operations in London were supported by fellow spies Harry Houghton and Ethel Gee. Houghton, a former Royal Navy officer, and Gee, his colleague, accessed sensitive information on the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet in Portland, Dorset. The Cohens would photograph this information, reduce it to microdots, and conceal it in antiquarian books for shipment abroad.
The spy ring’s activities were uncovered in 1959 when a Polish intelligence officer defected, leading MI5 to launch surveillance on the group. This surveillance, conducted from a neighboring house, formed the basis of the play “Pack of Lies” by Hugh Whitemore. The play explores the complexities faced by the Cohens’ unsuspecting friends, the Searches, who were caught in the middle of the espionage scandal.
The Cohens, Molody, Houghton, and Gee were eventually arrested and convicted of espionage in 1961. While the Cohens were later released in a prisoner swap, the impact of their betrayal lingered. Ruth Search, one of their closest friends, struggled to come to terms with the deception and passed away shortly after the Cohens’ release.
Despite the passage of time, the intrigue surrounding the Portland spy ring continues to captivate audiences. A recent production of “Pack of Lies” at the Compass Theatre in Ickenham drew large crowds, showcasing the enduring interest in this high-stakes international mystery. The play was performed by Proscenium, a long-standing theatre company known for presenting classic and contemporary works to a wide audience.
Proscenium, like many amateur theatre groups, faces challenges in recruiting and retaining actors, particularly young talent. Securing suitable performance spaces and promoting their productions are ongoing struggles for the group. However, the appetite for local theatre in outer London remains strong, offering audiences a diverse range of performances close to home.
As Proscenium prepares to stage Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” next March, the importance of supporting local theatre scenes like theirs becomes evident. By engaging with community theatres, audiences can enjoy quality performances, support emerging talent, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of their neighborhoods. Embrace the arts in your local area and be part of the thriving theatre scene in London.
