JANIE DEE and CLIVE FRANCIS in 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD

In 1949 Helene Hanff wrote to Marks and Co. Booksellers of 84 Charing Cross Road, in search of the rare editions she was unable to find in New York. Helene soon found herself in regular correspondence with bookseller Frank Doel, laying siege to his English reserve with her warmth and wit. As letters, books and quips crossed the ocean, a friendship flourished that would endure for twenty years.

The stage adaptation of 84 Charing Cross Road premiered at Salisbury Playhouse in 1981 before going on to huge success in the West End and on Broadway. It won numerous awards for writer/director James Roose-Evans who returns to direct this new production. It was also made into a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.

The original production was described as “the rarest of theatrical treats”, “a triumphant evening for fun, happiness, a little sadness and a lot of goodwill” and “a quietly astonishing play”.

Janie Dee’s recent theatre credits include Blithe Spirit alongside Angela Lansbury. She has won Olivier Awards for her roles Carousel at the National Theatre and Alan Ayckbourn’s Comic Potential.

Clive Francis’ numerous TV and film credits include the recent film Mr Turner, The Missing and the current BBC1 drama The Missing.