...WILL TAKE YOU TO THE SHADY SIDE OF THE ANTIQUES BUSINESS REVEALING EVERYTHING THE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW WOULD NEVER DARE TO!

Michelangelo began his career as a forger. He carved 'The Sleeping Cupid' and planted it where some workmen were digging. The sculpture was discovered and acclaimed as an ancient masterpiece. It was sold for 200 Ducats to a cardinal... and then Michelangelo confessed...'

So began the defence of Tom Keating, the real-life forger at his celebrated trial in the late 70's during which he achieved international notoriety.

Ben Foley (played by Roy Marsden - televisions Inspector Dalgliesh) is the MASTER FORGER, based on Keating. He belongs to a breed of painters that has virtually disappeared. Regaling the audience with the wild and often extraordinary anecdotes of forgers past, he talks intimately about their techniques, their feelings and the way that a modern antique collector can avoid falling foul of the forger's tricks and tactics!

However, beneath Ben's often hilarious recollections, forgery remains a deceitful and dangerous business, and as the play unfolds it becomes apparent that there is more at stake for Ben than mere memories...

Theatre Royal, Plymouth and national tour - 1993

Producer Richard Lewis and Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Director Roger Redfarn
Designer Martyn Bainbridge

Cast:
Ben Roy Marsden
Lizzie/Barrister Jackie Smith-Wood
Judge John Woodnutt
Jane/Beryl Leslie O'Hara
Julian Philip Gaudin
Turner/The Earl John Hartley