Love Letters – Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

Love Letters continues at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch until 21 August 2021.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

Artistic director Douglas Rintoul brings a new jukebox musical to the Queen’s Theatre called Love Letters in which he asks: what would you do if you received a love letter 16 years after it was originally posted?

I sit down and stare at a bar called ‘The Perseverance’ that has appeared on stage. The bar looks amazing and even has what look like real ale taps from which you see actors pouring beer throughout the show. All ale is served by a lady called Sheila (played by Lucy Benjamin) who won’t let anything get her down and is always looking to encourage everyone around her. She especially seems interested in a man called Keith (played by Mike Lloyd) who always seems to be dropping post off at the bar.

We meet Justin (Kit Esuruoso) and Danni (Dannie Harris), a couple that don’t seem to be able to decide if they’re right for each other and this isn’t helped by a number of mistakes. The performers both do a brilliant job of acting different ages as we see them progress from teen to parent. Throughout the show they certainly demonstrate their acting, comedy, singing and dancing talents.

Music is very much the focus of the show and it aims to use lots of material that originates from Essex. With songs from Alison Moyet, Billy Bragg Blur, David Woodcock, Depeche Mode, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Sandie Shaw and The Tremeloes, the night will certainly leave you surprised by all the bands that originated from the area. I never knew that Billy Ocean grew up in Romford. The band’s playing is so brilliant, it’s likely many of the audience will be heading to iTunes after the show, keen to keep listening to Essex music.

The show is very much focused on the 16 years passing and sadly this can mean the show does feel a little bit dragged out. However, the production is certainly helped by both its musical and comedy elements which will leave you laughing and dancing throughout the night. With a huge smile on his face, Esuruoso particularly impresses with his amazing dancing skills.

The night is lots of fun and you really do feel part of the show as you clap along and find yourself singing along to all of the well-known songs. It is great to return to be back at the theatre, watching this entertaining homegrown show.

Andrew Wilkin