Breaking The Code - Royal Exchange Theatre

WHEN I first saw this play about the triumphant and tragic tale of the wartime code breaker Alan Turing, it left me so angry I wanted to punch the nearest available door.

It's ultimately a tale of rank injustice, a stain on our nation that a mathematical genius, who helped this country escape the clutches of Nazi tyranny, was treated like a common criminal.

The injustice is there for all to see in this engaging production at the RET. But it is somewhat under stated, in the same way the effects are of the drugs Turing was forced to take to "cure" his homosexuality.

But the story of success against eye popping impossible odds remains as engaging as ever and Daniel Rigby is quietly brilliant as the brilliant Turing. If you saw The Imitation Game, expect a different AT from Rigby, less of the distant eccentric portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. Rigby's Turing seems more comfortable in company, except when its female and the female in question Pat (a convincingly doting Natalie Dew) has romance on her mind.

Hugh Whitemore's play has some wordy passages and anyone who claims to understand the mathematical bits, which Rigby delivers brilliantly, is either cut from the same cloth as Turing or a liar. There is however, much humour to be taken from this piece so you're not in for an elongated Maths lesson, the prospect of which brings me out in a cold sweat.

Wherever he is, I hope Alan Turing is taking pleasure from the major strides forward the gay community has made in its battle for equality. However, it's vital this play continues to be performed and the rank injustice he suffered at the hands of the state is never forgotten. A must see.

* Until November 19. The box office is on 0161 833 9833. Star rating - ****