84 Charing Cross Road, Wolverhampton Grand - review and pictures
On a recent trip to London, I went in search of the address in the title of Helene Hanff’s tale of friendship across the miles, only to find it is now a McDonald's.
Typical; but nevertheless I refused to be disappointed, and chose to imagine the five-story building as the bookshop from 84 Charing Cross Road - Marks & Co.
This autobiographical tale begins just after the Second World War when the author orders a specific book; resulting in a 20-year correspondence between the spirited New York writer, Miss Hanff, and Frank Doel, the chief buyer for a traditional English bookshop.
There is no hint of romance; only the friendship of two people never destined to meet, yet completely in tune with each other as a result of the written word.
The cast of the touring play, running this week at Wolverhampton Grand, impressed. Hollywood actress and Hart to Hart star, Stefanie Powers reprised her role as the affable American, together with the quintessentially British stage and TV actor, Clive Francis as Doel. In real life, the stark contrasts were immediately obvious, which only enhanced the characters they played on stage.
Miss Powers lived every moment of her role, with superb characterisation and a sense of abandonment that only our friends from across the pond can pull off. Her instinctive performance was effortless and the contrast she created between her largely witty, happy ego and the feeling of pure distress when she learned of Frank’s death was heart breaking.
Clive Francis was every inch an English gent with an exceptionally warm interpretation of Frank Doel. His ability to hold the audience was second to none - and the way in which he portrayed the affection he felt for Miss Hanff as their friendship developed was exquisitely illustrated.
Samantha Sunderland made her mark as the wonderfully fun Cecily Parr, while the remaining supporting cast perfectly created the family atmosphere of the workplace which eagerly awaits Miss Hanff’s letters and parcels.
The script was naturally delivered as a series of letters - and therefore monologues, which on the surface could have been a little dull. But the words were so wonderfully fluid and instinctive that the atmosphere they created was one of sincerity and tenderness.
Norman Coates’ set design perfectly captured the inside of the bookshop, so much so that you could almost smell the musty books and the author’s New York Brownstone office where she wrote among chaos with a cigarette and glass of gin on hand.
Chris Davey’s excellent lighting effects successfully depicted the two cities on different sides of the Atlantic, while the addition of background music played live on stage by the supporting cast members, though unnecessary really, did add to the mood and illustrated the different decades.
Fiction based on the truth is always the most believable and this play is no exception. With a possible transfer to the West End in the offering, there is no question about the quality of Richard Beecham’s production.
So, for those who remember the anticipation of a letter falling on the doormat and who are seeking an evening of pure nostalgia from a heart-warming tale of yesteryear, long before the invention of emails, texts and social media, 84 Charing Cross Road is a must.
Runs until Saturday.
For tickets click here or call 01902 429212.
