84 Charing Cross Road

I was delighted to attend the last night of Kyneton Theatre Company’s production of 84 Charing Cross Road. The whole experience was a pleasure from being welcomed by smartly attired front of house staff and offered a sherry to partaking in a light supper whilst hearing the company’s President make a short address.
This offering has deservedly been playing to almost full houses.
This play can be read as a social commentary from the post WWII era and on this occasion sits appropriately in a proscenium arch on a well designed and executed naturalistic set where the two worlds across the Atlantic Ocean inter-weave but never collide. In all it is a very moving and cathartic piece based on a true story and timeless in its evocation of the yearning of love unrequited.
All of the cast members are competent and most seasoned and proficient amateur performers. Rosalee Neill beautifully manages the substantial and pivotal role of Hellene Hanff. She competently engages the audience and ‘ages’ well with the aid of appropriate costuming. Jan Maxwell very sensitively and acutely creates a beautifully poised English woman of the time in her portrayal of Cecile Farr. Alan Stone delivers his role of Bill Humphries with aplomb and humour.
This production moves with a consistent rhythm displaying a firm directorial hand from Bette Sartore. Delivery is measured and very clear. The staging looks good and this is due not only to the set by Dave Maxwell but in particular to Sheryl Neill’s era appropriate costuming.
Music is used to set the scene and mark passing time in the second half. The show is well lit amazingly well with a restrictive number of lights.
With significant changes in management and artistic direction and a more stable Council endorsed tenancy of the Bluestone Theatre, Kyneton Theatre Company appears to be flourishing.
Watch out for the Kyneton Daffodil Festival One Act Play Competition in September.
Suzanne Sandow