Letter to Brezhnev

The Back Story

I first saw Letter to Brezhnev when the film was released back in 1985. Something of a family collaboration, writer Frank Clarke created what was soon to become a classic comedy romance, with his sister Margi in mind for one of the leading roles.

Margi Clarke had already enjoyed a varied early career, including TV presenting, fronting a punk band, local theatre and a small but memorable acting role in Brookside. But Letter to Brezhnev proved to be her breakthrough, bringing her to the attention of audiences far beyond her native Liverpool.

So how does the stage show measure up?

I remember being captivated at the time by the performances of Margi and her co-star Alexandra Pigg. So, while waiting for the curtain to rise at Liverpool’s Royal Court, I found myself wondering not only how well the story would make the transition from celluloid to stage, but also how the actors taking on those two iconic roles would measure up.

Within a few minutes of the first act, any doubts had disappeared.

Angela Simms and Ellie Clayton do full justice to the roles of two young Scouse best mates out on the pull when a Soviet ship docks at the Pier Head and its crew are let loose on Liverpool for a night ashore.

The story unfolds as the two women meet Russian sailors Peter and Sergei, played by Thomas Cotran and Liam Powell-Berry. While Sergei’s encounter with Teresa, played by Angela Simms, is decidedly of the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am variety, the relationship between Elaine and Peter develops into something altogether more tender: a story of genuine, but ultimately unconsummated, love.

It is an easy and thoroughly enjoyable play to watch, with plenty of comedy and a generous helping of poignancy, all played against a subtle soundtrack of music from the era.

There are excellent performances from all ten members of the cast, with Reginald Edwards particularly demonstrating his versatility by playing Brezhnev as well as four other characters.

Indeed, such is the slick direction and stage management of the rapidly changing action that at times you could be forgiven for thinking there were twice as many actors in the company. Several cast members take on two or more characters, including Michelle Butterly and Dominic Carter, whose principal roles are Elaine’s parents.

Zack Levene has no fewer than four different roles, while it was also good to see a couple of smaller parts given to young actors Mia Rugen and Leona Sinama-Pongolle, the latter still studying at LIPA.

5 Stars to the cast – and another 5 to the set!

While the cast and company as a whole earn a resounding five stars from me for their portrayal of this funny and tender love story, another five stars must surely go to set designer Mark Walters and his team for the remarkable and innovative set.

There’s no revolving stage this time. Instead, a wonderfully ingenious collection of sliding, hinged and otherwise movable sections transforms before our eyes into a Kirkby nightclub, a Moscow presidential office, Elaine’s bedroom, Teresa’s love nest and even the deck of an ocean-going ship.

The transformations are fast, clever and remarkably convincing, helping the story move effortlessly from Liverpool to Moscow and back again without interrupting its pace.

All in all, Letter to Brezhnev is a heartwarming comedy romance filled with humour, nostalgia and just enough poignancy to remind us why the original story has endured for more than forty years.

For those who remember the film, it is a wonderfully affectionate return to Elaine and Teresa’s world. For those discovering the story for the first time, it stands perfectly well on its own as a funny, touching and distinctly Liverpudlian tale of friendship, love and dreams of something beyond the everyday.

Letter to Brezhnev runs at Liverpool’s Royal Court until October 17th.

This is a beautifully produced poignant love story – don’t miss the boat!

★★★★★

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