The 100 Year Old Letter by the Good Wolf Company is an engaging piece of theatre, about a woman who writes a letter in 1916, which gets delivered a hundred years later to a flat in Croydon. It is a letter of apology from Christabell, to her friend Kate, where she says she is sorry for "what she said at the circle". The audience are taken on a historical adventure as it transpires that Christabell was a Quaker and a political figure in Croydon who opposed violence against the backdrop of the First World War. This play is unique, as it is staged and performed with only four cast members and four chairs, spanning locations from Croydon to Yorkshire, a boarding school and a Quaker meeting room. The smooth transitions between scenes are also impressive.
The four people who make up the cast are exceptional actors, all switching roles throughout the play, with stand out moments from each of them. Lauren Walker plays the comical role of Katie well, whilst Deborah Williams conveys the conviction and more serious nature of Christabell. Emma Jags and Johnny Hanscombe, playing the contemporary couple that find the letter, keep the story flowing and the audience engaged throughout.
The history behind the letter was really emphasised in this play, and as it is based on a true story, it felt like these women's stories were told thoroughly, with a touch of comedy. This is highlighted through the use of historical sources such as research from the Norwood Society, and snippets from news broadcasts. We will never know what Christabell actually said at the circle, but with the help of historical documents and experts, we can gain an insight into their lives and characters, and make a good guess.
Comments