I went to see 84 Charing Cross Road at Ensemble Theatre last night and honestly came out feeling really warm and happy. It’s one of those gentle plays that sneaks up on you emotionally.
The story follows the friendship between a New York writer and a London bookshop owner through years of letters, and even though not much “big drama” happens, it never felt boring. It actually felt refreshing to watch something slower and more thoughtful for a change.
The cast were lovely and believable, and the chemistry between the two main characters felt very natural. There were quite a few funny little moments in the dialogue too, especially around the differences between Americans and the very polite English staff in the bookshop. The audience laughed a lot.
I also really loved the set. The little bookshop looked cosy and charming, and it made me want to curl up with a cup of tea and start reading again. The costumes and music gave it such a nostalgic feeling without trying too hard.
What I appreciated most was how kind the whole production felt. It’s really about friendship, loneliness, books, and the importance of human connection. In a world where everything is so fast and online now, there was something touching about watching people build a relationship through handwritten letters.
It’s a heartfelt story and really good acting. I’d definitely recommend it. I took my friend along and we both said afterwards that it felt like a little escape from real life for a couple of hours.
A really lovely night at the theatre.
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