Step back into the 1970’s and immerse yourself in the fascinating tale of Operation Julie, the greatest police drug bust in history, at the Wyvern Theatre.
This gripping production, written and directed by Geinor Styles of Theatr na nÓg, vividly recounts the historic police crackdown on a global LSD supply ring nestled in the Welsh hills around Tregaron.
The musical unfolds as a captivating mix of comedy and drama with parts also feeling like a rock-gig, to portray the undercover operation that dismantled the notorious “microdot gang” of hippies and scientists which resulted in dozens of arrests, with many of them being held in Swindon Police station, and the discovery of £100m worth of LSD.
The narrative delves into the different perspectives of that time, from police detectives navigating pre-digital challenges like sheep-nibbled communication cables, to the idealistic vision of LSD producers aiming to reshape societal consciousness for a sustainable future.
Styles emphasises the deeper intentions behind the LSD production, inspired by chemist Richard Kemp’s prescient warnings about environmental crises four decades ago, such as temperatures and water levels rising. In the current context of climate change, Kemp’s insights resonate eerily.
Despite initial concerns about portraying criminal activity, Styles argues that Operation Julie remains a pivotal part of local lore, and it has a strong economically message behind it.
The production also features Alston “Smiles” Hughes, a central figure and dealer in the LSD ring, now 74 he is still advocating for consciousness-altering solutions and Hughes underscores the relevance of his generation’s ideals in confronting some of the modern challenges we face today.
Lyn Ebenezer, a local journalist intimately familiar with Operation Julie, underscores the enduring fondness for figures like Hughes among the community. They were perceived more as seekers of the “good life” than as threats, reflecting a time when LSD was an enigma to many.
You don’t want to miss this vibrant production showcasing an era with striking relevance for today’s world.
You can watch the show either today or tomorrow at the Wyvern Theatre and tickets can be purchased here.
