Love Letters  by A.R. Gurney
Starring David Soul and Jerry Hall.
 
Before I went to see Love Letters, on Thursday May 1st, I wasn't really sure if the play would work. After all, two actors sitting down, reading letters to each other could have been boring, and made it difficult  for the audience to keep an interest in the story. However, any doubts I had were quickly removed as I became enthralled in the story of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd.
 
Jerry Hall played Melissa, who had a privileged upbringing, and David played the part of Andrew, who came from a more humble background. The audience was privy to the letters that Melissa and Andrew wrote to one another from childhood, right through middle age. The correspondence allowed us to learn of their dreams, and hopes. We also discovered  the disappointments they experience in their lives. Throughout the exchange of letters, it is obvious that they both care deeply for one another.  The audience learns that although Melissa is from a financially privileged background, it hasn't brought her happiness.  Andrew, however, gained strength from his humble, balanced upbringing.
 
 Much humor was interjected through the letters, as well as sadness. The two characters were really meant to be together, but people and circumstances were obstacles to a lasting relationship. Jerry's character became more depressed as she needed Andrew, but David's character decided to put his career, and status in the community, before his love for her.
 
I was impressed that David didn't just read the letters out, he acted them via facial expressions and significant pauses. I felt the audience was willing Melissa and Andrew to get together and stay together, but sadly, it wasn't to be.

The final scene was very sad, and David moved me to tears with his performance. 
 
The set was very simple, a chair each, a table and desk and a lamp each. To have had any elaborate props would have been distracting. The Tivoli theatre is small and this just enhanced the intimacy of the story.  
 
 
After The Show
I traveled from Staffordshire, and met up with two friends from London, so that we could see David in this play. He certainly didn't disappoint. He was born to do live theatre.
 
We also met David outside the Tivoli after the show. What a kind and gracious man he is! He came over and spoke to us, and we asked if we could have our photo taken with him, and he was happy to do so.  It was so kind of him to spare the time.
 
All in all, going to see Love Letters and meeting David is an experience I shall never forget.

Sarah