A COLD War spy story with a west country link will be the Northcott Theatre's new drama for spring 2027.

Portland Spies is based on the astonishing true story of Dorset’s Ethel “Bunty” Gee - whose search for a more exciting life, and love, drew her into the heart of one of the Cold War’s most infamous espionage rings.

From acclaimed writer Caleb Ranson (Midsomer Murders, HBO’s Bring Back Alice), the Exeter theatre’s production is a tense and thrilling new drama about seduction, loyalty and betrayal in the name of love.

Northcott creative director and joint chief executive Martin Berry said: "Set against the stark, atmospheric backdrop of Dorset's Portland naval base, this is a story of love, secrecy and espionage at the height of the Cold War.

“At its heart are ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary international scandal: a lonely woman looking for colour and romance in her life, a charming but damaged man with dangerous secrets, and a world in which desire, ideology and national security collide."

During the Cold War, the South West coast was home to a Portland naval base conducting top secret research into underwater detection, including the development of Britain’s first nuclear submarine, HMS Dreadnought.

It was there that Ethel Gee worked as a filing clerk and met clerk and spy, Harry Houghton. The two began a passionate love affair and worked together to pass secrets to the soviets, becoming a crucial part of the notorious Portland spy ring before being arrested in 1961.

She was looking for adventure. She found a spy. And Britain paid the price...

The impressive creative team behind the production includes Martin Berry (Daphne, Exe Men, The Commotion Time – Exeter Northcott Theatre) as director, multi-award-winning Zoe Squire (Oi Frog & Friends! – West End and UK Tour, Little Mermaid – The Egg, Bath) as designer, and Ben Sutcliffe (Madame Lucinda's Wonder Show – UK Tour, The Commotion Time – Exeter Northcott) as musical director. The show will also feature an original piano score which will be played live on stage.

Building on its reputation as a leading producing theatre, Exeter Northcott’s newest production will continue its commitment to staging the south west’s untold stories.

Previous productions from the theatre have included Daphne, inspired by the enigmatic life of Cornwall-based author Daphne du Maurier, and Exe Men the play based on the extraordinary story of the Exeter Chiefs rugby club.

The play will run from Wednesday, March 10 until Saturday, March 20 next year at the theatre.

Tickets are general sale at 10am on Tuesday 11 August 2026 at exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/portland-spies. Ticket prices for the show start at £17.50 and there is a special 25 per cent discount on performances on March 10. 11 and 12 for residents of Devon Dorset and Cornwall.