This is James Roose-Evans 1981 stage adaptation of American Helene Hanff’s 1970 novel 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD.
It tells the story, theatrically, of the twenty year correspondence between Helene Hanff, struggling young writer living in New York and Frank Doel, the manager of Marks and Co, an antiquarian bookshop in London. The correspondence only ended upon the death of Doel as a result of peritonitis after a burst appendix.
This is a feel good, very warm night (or matinee) at the theatre. It’s about a wonderful pen friendship between two deep people with an abiding appreciation for world literature.
The sad fact was that Helene was planning for many years to fly to London and meet her pen friend and explore the book store in person but never got around it.
Helene was, in fact, more than a pen friend to Frank and his work colleagues. She also would send Christmas packages, birthday gifts and food parcels to help with the past World War 2 food shortages in Britain.
Time passing and landmark historical events were also discussed by the two friends including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Maggie Scott’s direction. is assured. Wayne Chee’s set and lighting design was effective. Chee’s set clearly split the two play’s two locations; Helene’s living room and the office at Marks and Co.
By far, Helene Hanff is the most interesting colourful character and Liz Grindley gives a very sassy and impressive performance in the lead role.
A veteran of the Sydney community theatre scene Ross Alexander, with over 40 years experience, plays the staid, witty Frank, who tries very earnestly to satisfy all of Helene’s book demands.
Kimberlea Smith and Susan Mozell play Frank’s work colleagues at Marks and Co.
Helene Hanff’s 1970 not only spurned this stage play but also a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.
Such is its renown that there is a brass plaque on the street frontage outside the five storey building where the Marks and Co book store resided, and in New York the apartment where Helene Hanff lived has been named the Charing Cross House in her honour.
As we left the theatre after the performance there was a nice touch with Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ playing through the loudspeakers.
84 CHARING CROSS ROAD is playing the theatre within Club Ryde, 728 Victoria Road, Ryde until February, 20, 2022
http://www.huntershilltheatre.com.au
Production photography by Jasper Kyle