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84 CHARING CROSS ROAD
K.C.A. Players
Pelhams, Kinson
Bournemouth
November 2003
HAVING long been a fan of American author Helene Hanff, I had great hopes of this production – a charming adaptation by James Roose-Evans of the book detailing her 20 year correspondence with London antiquarian booksellers Marks and Co.
I was not to be disappointed, as the Players earned their first gold star even before the curtain rose, by producing a programme cleverly designed as a book cover. Their next stars were for a fine set that depicted both Miss Hanff’s small New York apartment and the bookshop, and for excellent lighting and sound effects.
And in Steve Watton’s extremely impressive production the nine-strong cast brought every scene to life, painting a realistic picture of post-war England from rationing to the Beatles.
But of course the bulk of the evening belonged to Helene and her main correspondent, shop manager Frank Doel. Anne Coleman, despite a slightly wavering accent, was totally compelling as Helene, bringing out her character’s eccentricity and kindness with ease and showing real feeling for the books she had purchased from the city of her dreams. And David Wickham was absolutely right as Frank, imbuing his character with ever-increasing amounts of warmth as the affection between them grew.
A thoroughly enjoyable production.
Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo
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