84 Charing Cross Road
Written by: Helene Hanff
Directed by: Martin Herford
June 2023
This is a true story.
The play records the correspondence between a New York based book collector called Helene Hanff and Frank Doel, a London bookseller, between 1949 and 1969. It encompasses a social history of its time throughout that period, particularly in Britain, from post-war austerity to the “Swinging Sixties”. But it also incorporates a relationship between two people of completely different characters who live over 3,000 miles apart but who are gradually drawn closer together.
The story combines nostalgia, humour, romance, sadness and missed opportunities. There is something here for anyone and everyone. Do not come to see it however if you only want thrills, spills and farcical comedy. Do come to see it if you want to experience a stimulating and thought-provoking evening of local theatre.
Cast List
Reviews
84 Charing Cross Road is an unusual piece in that the entire script consists of the correspondence, presented as monologues, and acted out by each of the characters as they bring the text of the letters to life. This calls for the utmost level of confidence and is testament to many hours of solid rehearsal.
The staging was excellent with a split set and so many great elements. Stage right was the New York apartment, and stage left was the dusty bookshop. Not content to use painted backcloths for scenery, the team of set designers, props, stage, lighting and sound crews, had lovingly re-created the interior of the bookshop at 84 Charing Cross Road, complete with the practical shop door, appropriate shop signage “Marks & Co. 84” on the window, shelves of books and the street outside. What a wonderful space utilised well by all the actors, adding significantly to the quality of the performance.
Marcia Alderson as Helene Hanff was phenomenal – superb voice work, excellent diction, and her acting choices brought the character to life, with a lovely sense of humour, mixed with the occasional outburst of frustration, where required. Her growing affinity and friendship with the staff at the London bookshop came through warmly in her lovely American accent. Alf Currey as Frank Doel, the knowledgeable and mild-mannered manager of the bookshop, portrayed admirably the rather reserved Englishman, eager to please and fulfil Helene’s every book request and full of apologies when things went awry.
Joyce Stafford was playing Cecily Farr and she gave a strong performance. Her acting choices worked well and the director seemed to get a lot out of this character and the way she interacted with Frank and the other staff. Barbara Harrold brought a lot to the part of Megan Wells, she brought out the poignant elements and I particularly enjoyed her farewell scene. Another American character was played by Lisa Rawlings, a great part and the over-the-top character of Maxine Stuart who is Helene’s friend was amusing and quite charming. A gently humorous monologue that explained so much about the character and the friendship between Helene and Maxine. Keith Goody played Bill Humphries, who was busy in the back office most of the time. Keith gave a master class in ensemble acting, constantly giving energy to the role. Along with Barry Ward as Mr Martin, Sandra Trott who played Alvin and the deadpan Mrs Todd, all embellished the action and created an enchanting atmosphere in the shop.
Thank you to everyone for a truly inspirational evening’s entertainment.
Deborah Jea, NODA