The Harrogate Advertiser, Friday March 9th, 2001

Perfect Portrayal Of A Special Relationship

Politicians talk glibly about the "special relationship" which exists between America and Britain but based on her own experiences, the author of 84, Charing Cross Road might have coined the phrase herself.
Helene Hanff's 20-year correspondence with Frank Doel, the manager of an antiquarian London bookshop gave the struggling New York author much more than rare volumes by post. The play, based on Hanff's book, charts a deep and affectionate friendship between individuals placed on different sides of the Atlantic.
This production, directed by Iris Mitchell, is a joy from beginning to end. As remaining performances are sold out, those lucky enough to hold tickets can expect a first class experience. The truth of the writing and the finely judged performances of the actors conspire to bring a limp to the throat and a tear to the eye, as many among the first-night audience can testify.
Peter Wilson's set cleverly and literally speaks volumes about the leading characters, even before the occupy their respective worlds. Both the book shop and Helene Hanff's apartment are, by implication, lacking in space and this intimacy with their own environment underlines, often with great humour, their cultural differences.

When the play opens in 1949, to the opening bars of Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue, Helene Hanff's clackety old typewriter is in full flow. Everything in this apartment is well worn - from the old leather handbag, carelessly slung on the chair, to the faded rug on the floor. The newest acquisitions range from her bottle of gin, the supply of paper untidily stashed under the table and of course, books. From the first moments, Rachel Conyers stakes her claim to this character's feisty humour and her eccentric hunger for English Literature. This is a confident, detailed reading which draws the audience in and keeps them fascinated.
From rationing to Beatlemania, the direct line to Helene's personal "curiosity shop" remains frustratingly slow - this is a character who loves conversation and her letters have the immediacy we associate with today's instant methods of communication. Not so in London, where business is conducted with post-war reserve and British formality among the solid, if dusty shelves of Marks & Co.
But an American customer who sends food parcels with her orders and wants to know about the staff, as well as the books, soon has a place in their hearts and, from a distance, their lives.
The other half of the set is home to Frank (Paul Dunstan) who leads his staff with a gentle and credible authority. His mellowing responses to her frankly written outbursts are both amusing and moving. Well balanced support from a sensitive group of supporting players paints a recognisable picture of British life through several decades.
Making an impressive debut for the Society is Emily Fenoughty, who presents a charming picture of Cecily Farr - the member of staff who shyly establishes links with Helene via her own letters.
As the focus of attention shifts, it is tempting to only watch the speaker but that is to miss some beautifully subtle reactions from the listeners.

Ruth Badley