PEN PALS - DR2 Theatre (06/11/25)

Though the art of physical letter-writing is something of an archaic practice in this day and age, having largely been replaced by instant messengers, wifi calling and video chats, the basic fundamentals of forming bonds and maintaining a friendship have not changed, and however you choose to keep in contact, you both need to maintain an open line of communication. Perhaps it's the lengthy gaps in between correspondences that make the age old act of writing letters to one another such an emotionally tense yet rewarding practice.

Devised by playwright Michael Griffo, "Pen Pals" follows two individuals, named Margaret, a London native living in Sheffield, and Bernadette, native to New Jersey in the USA, in a journey of building a friendship solely through writing to one another over the course of around 50 years, from their early teens right through to their twilight years as, through sharing everything with one another, from boys and books they like, to the trials and tribulations of adulthood in its various stages, they develop an unbreakable bond that lasts the decades. And although, as is often the case with friendships founded during childhood, the frequency with which they contact one another diminishes significantly, due in no small part to life invariably taking over, they never lose the deep, meaningful connection that they develop as girls.

Marcia Cross in "Pen Pals" (credit: Russ Rowland)

Starting as rather light hearted, with much of the first half hour or so taking place during their respective childhoods, we experience a lifetime of individual and joint ventures that, though at times threatening to their friendship, consistently draw the pair of them closer, if only in the quality of their connection in lieu of the inherent lack of physical proximity. It does have to be said that the sheer volume of tragedy that befalls both women would be enough to push the average person over the edge, verging on feeling hyperbolic to a certain point, however what is displayed consistently is the fierce loyalty shared between these two girls come women, which is simply beautiful.

Director SuzAnne Barabas has kept things as simple as possible, the only set items on stage are the pieces of furniture used by the two women to compose their written correspondence to one another, and whilst these are ornate and period appropriate, they remain appropriately unassuming, which helps us keep the ongoing written dialogue at the forefront and heart of the piece, immersing us fully in the journey we take with the duo from being schoolgirls to senior citizens.

Catherine Curtin and Marcia Cross (credit: Russ Rowland)

Taking on the roles of English rose Margaret and Jersey native Bernadette respectively were Marcia Cross and Catherine Curtin, performers whom, perhaps appropriately, come from starkly different acting backgrounds, so it feels very much like the pair are able to play to their strengths, and the contrast between the two lends itself marvellously to this particular piece. It isn't just their distinct personalities that shine through by way of Griffo's text, but also the way in which they grade their respective performances, through simple adjustments to their language, mannerisms and energy. As life manifests itself on the two, so does the youthful glow and hubris the pair initially shared fade, being replaced gradually by the sense of disillusionment that generally characterises a life that doesn't follow the path one plans.

Cross brings a wonderful balance of grace, poise and good old British stiff-upper-lippedness to the role of Margaret or "Mags", and an English accent that is, admittedly, about 80% convincing to the native Brit, though there is the occasional pronunciation or turn of phrase that gives her away. Her portrayal provides fabulous contrast with Curtin's unfiltered, often brash, but always passionate take on Bernadette, a girl with a love of and penchant for acting, who grows into the woman who never got to see those dreams realised due to a mix of familial circumstances and her own personal sense of cynicism.

In spite of the fact that the pair hardly ever interact directly, Cross and Curtin make us really root for their respective characters, and the depth of their friendship, built through means of plenty of intricate details, making it feel splendidly authentic. And whilst there is also plenty of great humour between the two of them, we never lose sense of the deep platonic love they share, proving that no matter your generation, a strong and loving friendship can always endure when you will it to.

★★★★☆ (4*)

"Pen Pals" runs at DR2 Theatre until the 1st of February, with an extension having just been announced (book tickets)

{PR/Gifted tickets}