Love Letters

Synopsis

After months of negotiations, Cathouse Players secured the rights to perform Love Letters in Australia for the first time in many years. By A.R. Gurney and a piece close to his heart they were delighted that he chose Cathouse Players to bring this beautifully-written piece back to Australian audiences. Cathouse Players dedicated this performance to A.R. Gurney given his recent passing.

Love Letters sees the ongoing friendship of childhood friends Melissa Gardiner and Andrew Makepiece-Ladd III. Even separated by distance and lives heading in different directions, Melissa and Andrew maintain and grow their friendship and personal connection through the exchange of beautifully written and at times poignant letters spanning over 50 years. Many things are said and making this an even more special piece, is the significance of what is left unsaid. The emotion and depth of their kinship comes through.

As a short piece, Love Letters is supported by A.A. Milne's thought-provoking The Boy Comes Home. Set immediately after WW1, Philip returns to the home of his Aunt Emily and Uncle James. Four years has passed and Uncle James is of the belief that Phillip is still a boy whose direction in life can be dictated to. During that time and with the horrors Philip has experienced what will it take for Uncle James to realise the ‘the boy’ has returned not only as a man but also determined to be heard. 

To lighten the theme and in reflection of the raw emotion of these two pieces Catherine Parr by Maurice Baring rounds out this production. Set at their breakfast table King Henry Vlll is determined that only his recollection of Alexander the Great’s horse can be correct. To his horror his last wife, Queen Catherine Parr is just as determined to point out that his recollection is in fact wrong!

Cast and Crew

Cast
Love Letters
Melissa Gardner - Lynne Kimber
Andrew Makepeace Ladd lll - Alan Barrett

Catherine Parr
Catherine Parr - Fiona Agyeman
Henry Vlll - Frank Sartore
Page - Katie Fitches

The Boy Comes Home
Phillip - David Prince
Uncle James - Frank Sartore
The Cook - Pat Agyeman (Replaced by Maggie Browne) 
Aunt Emily - Fiona Agyeman
The Maid - Katie Fitches
Kippers for Tea
Jim - Alan Stone
Minnie -  Pat Agyeman (Replaced by Maggie Mottram)
Crew
Director - Bette Sartore
Assistant Director - Maggie Browne
Stage Manager - Brian Fitches
Lighting and Sound - Alan Barrett and David Prince
Stage  design and Construction  - Brian Fitches, Frank Sartore and Cathouse members
Costumes for Catherine Parr - Maggie Mottram
FOH and Tickets - Katie Fitches