14 May 2026
The charm, intimacy, and wonder of letter writing may be a long-lost art. However, through a stellar production of 84 Charing Cross Road, this gentle craft is beautifully rekindled, offering audiences a poignant glimpse into life post-WWII, viewed through the sustained correspondence of two protagonists living in two of the world’s most important cities.
On one end of the correspondence is the Jewish New York writer Helene Hanff, portrayed by Blazey Best. Hanff is intensely in love with literature, yet finds difficulty acquiring what she believes to be books of substance in the American marketplace. Perhaps she simply prefers the intimate setting of her tiny New York apartment instead of wondering too far to get the books she craves. Either way, to feed her voracious appetite for the written word, she looks across the pond to a small London bookshop: Marks & Co.
Best is utterly transformed as Hanff, from her pinpoint accent mastery to the vocal and physical cadence of the character. Her performance oozes with charm and sincerity, cementing the audience’s endearment for the woman who originally penned the script’s foundation.
On the other side of the Atlantic, bookshop manager Frank Doel, played by Erik Thomson, receives Hanff’s initial correspondence, seeking literary classics. Little do either of them know that Doel has just opened the first chapter of a remarkable tale that will unfold over decades.
Thomson embodies the true British gentleman: reserved, yet warm, with impeccable manners. His ability to subtly evolve and, in a way, ‘defrost’ the character through correspondence over time is a powerful testament to his detailed attention to the script.
Despite the physical distance, a strong fondness develops between two people with contrasting personalities but a shared love of books and the written word. Their letters prove to be the sweetest treats for the ear, delivered with distinct warmth, eloquence, and humor. Over time, and with the exchanging of many books and gifts, the heartfelt connection between Hanff, Doel, and the entire Marks & Co team only deepens.
Amid post-war rationing, royal coronations, and the rise of Beatlemania, their correspondence grounds the epic events and realities of the world to a deeply personal level. This staging invites the audience to imagine life at the time, not through the eyes of presidents or celebrities, but through two characters whose perspectives have been enriched by literary intelligence.
The traverse stage of the Ensemble Theatre provides an apt motif, with Hanff’s humble apartment desk located at the back of the space and Doel’s desk positioned in front, surrounded by books. In a powerful, symbolic way, Hanff becomes an integral part of the store at 84 Charing Cross Road. Set and Costume Designer, Nick Fry, deserves particular commendation for his craft in sculpting this evocative space.
Director Mark Kilmurray has staged a heartwarming love letter to books, to literature, and to human connection on the Ensemble stage. 84 Charing Cross Road is a beautiful, affecting piece, perfect for a cold winter evening.