Gavin Robertson, whose past shows include several genre-based parodies including his international and West End hit ‘Thunderbirds F.A.B’, and ’BOND!’ (everything ‘007’ in 60 minutes) now focuses his attention on the world’s first Femme Fatale – Mata Hari.

Mata Hari – Female Spy comes to Newport Riverfront on May 29.

WW1 is littered with tales from the trenches, but the facts about Dutch National Margarethe Zelle are largely fable. Using her own words as inspiration, this play looks at the woman behind the myth – shot by the French in October 1917 for being a spy. But was she?

Actress Katharine Hurst, who has worked with Gavin on three shows takes the role of Marta Hari, “It’s such a challenge to perform,” she says, “ I am alone onstage, and as well as acting, I dance, and the style requires me to think technically as well as simply portray a character. It’s a very precise show in that respect. But she has a wry way of expressing herself, which is fun to deliver.”

CoGR has recently played in the UK and Eire, the USA, India, Australia, Russia and in fact returns to the USA in July prior to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

On being asked what an audience could expect Gavin added, “It’s a very strong feminist – with a small ‘f’ - story. She was ahead of her time in that she refused to compromise her way of life. She was, I think, shot for having no shame.”

For ticket details call box office on 01633 656757