WHEN witty New York scriptreader/ writer, Helene Hanff, reads an advert for a bookstore in London that does mail orders, she begins liaising with Frank Doel, the bookseller who works at Marks & Co., 84 Charing Cross Road.

Over twenty years, this correspondence develops into a beautiful friendship...

Maggie Rose (Helene) excelled with her brash, authentic accent and feisty characterisation, perfectly balanced with Neil Brookes’ more demure performance as formal Doel.

Both brought honesty and integrity to their roles, with a most convincing relationship blossoming into a warm, charming long-distance friendship.

This understated production was skilfully directed to ensure that the whole cast performed with great strength and subtlety.

It’s much harder to act naturally and convincingly without dialogue, but the rest of the small cast (who had minimal lines between them) achieved this with style and grace.

There was great attention to detail with the props, and the scenery was well-designed and beautifully presented.