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Stefanie Powers as Helene Hanff
84 Charing Cross Road
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
*****
Writer Helene Hanff will always be
associated with what is undoubtedly her most endearing and enduring best
seller 84 Charing Cross Road.
Adapted for stage by James Roose-Evans and
directed by Richard Beecham, the true-life drama is based on the letters
and correspondence between Hanff and members of staff at Marks &Co.
antiquarian bookshop at 84, Charing Cross Road, London.
The American author and prolific bibliophile
Helene Hanff begins writing to Frank Doel, Chief buyer at Marks and Co.
in 1949 in the hope of finding a copy of a book not readily available in
New York. This was to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship as the
two characters continue to write to each other over a period of twenty
years.
Hanff’s sporadic and sometimes meagre earnings
from reading scripts, writing articles, T.V scripts and children’s
history books means that her ambition to visit Frank and the other staff
in London is continually put on hold due to lack of funds.
Sadly, the numerous failed plans mean they never
actually meet but Hanff does eventually pay a visit to the empty shop in
1971 after its eventual closure in 1970 and Frank’s death in 1968.
The well designed stage set is divided between
the eccentric author’s American brownstone apartment, littered with
books, gin bottles and ashtrays and the bookshop in London and
delineates the two acting areas flawlessly.
Clive Francis as Frank Doel, the
bookshop's chief buyer
The old bookshop is perfectly depicted, with
shelves full of dusty old tomes, and dim lighting. The attention to
detail is excellent with a lovely ting from the counter bell and a
melodious ding from the bell hanging above the door adding to the mood,
In the words of Hanff’s friend Maxine, ‘Dear
Heart, It is the loveliest old shop straight out of Dickens. You would
go absolutely out of your mind about it . . . It’s dim inside, you smell
the shop before you see it; it’s a lovely smell, I can’t articulate it
easily, but it combines must and dust and age...’
Hollywood actress, Stefanie Powers (known for
role in T.V. series Hart to Hart) plays the effervescent and rather
eccentric Helene Hanff impeccably. She breathes life into Hanff’s words
and letters with superb characterisation, humour and seemingly
effortless delivery.
The emotion she portrays is palpable as she reads
of the death of her dear friend Frank, a truly tear-jerking moment, all
credit to her convincing and excellent performance.
Clive Francis, perfectly embodies the role of
Frank Doel, the initially rather stuffy true English gent. With
exquisite characterisation, immaculate delivery and magnificent acting
skills he manages to portray warmth and affection whilst maintaining the
gentlemanly attitude of the 1950s. His performance is utterly
believable.
There is a strong supporting cast,(Samantha
Sutherland, William Oxborrow, Loren O’Dair, Ben Tolley and Fiona Bruce)
each adding to this admirable production, not only in the form of
dialogue and delivery but also by playing instruments and singing during
brief interludes of music and song which help to depict the passage of
time. Whilst unexpected, it certainly is a pleasant and original
addition to the overall production.
This highly recommended piece of theatre is
thoroughly engaging, exceptionally well acted, beautifully produced and
directed. With well designed set, costume, lighting and sound it is an
all round credit to stage drama. Oh, and look out for the remarkable
stage transformation near the end, you will really be asking yourself
‘how did they do that?’!. To 02-06-18.
Rosemary Manjunath and Elizabeth Smith
29-05-1
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