How about some Russophilia?

SYLVIA HIKINS applauds a magical stage revival of the famous 1980s film, Letter to Brezhnev

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LETTER TO BREZHNEV — we all remember the 1985 film. But now, in its home-town of Liverpool, the story has come to the stage and, like the film, is written by Scouser Frank Clarke.

It’s the 1980s, Thatcher’s government is on power and Liverpudlians, enduring high unemployment and poverty, felt a sense of despair, and no hope for the future. Those trying to find a decent life in the north of England, consistently received the message “on your bike.” I remember it well.

The curtain opens to reveal a skyline of high-rise council flats where residents share cramped bedrooms and use a toilet that’s directly opposite the kitchen. Two young Kirby women, Elaine and Teresa, are full of life but victims of the economic circumstances. 

They regularly travel into town to a disco where no-one needs money or a dancing partner. They just go in for free, get up and bop; rocking and rolling makes everyone equal. The taxi driver taking them declares: “This city of ours used to be beautiful, but they’ve pulled all the best bits down. Just look at it now — deserted.”

While out on the town in Liverpool, Elaine and Teresa meet two Russian sailors, Peter and Sergei. Down comes the gangplank. The four of them head off with arms around each other’s shoulders, and they spend the night together. Lust drives Teresa and Sergei into the bedroom, but Elaine and Peter become deeply attached, spend the night cuddling and talking, in what seems to be genuine love. As a symbol of his love, Peter gives Elaine a necklace that belonged to his grandmother.

But both the sailors have to go back on board ship. When the women return to the dock, the gangplank has gone, and the ship has sailed. “I’m in love,” declares Elaine, “and it’s tearing me apart. And I know he feels the same about me.”

Life in Kirby offers no foreseeable future. Consequently, Elaine writes a letter to the Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev, with the request to move to Russia to be with Peter, the love of her life. “I know we are supposed to feel animosity to you and your people,” she writes, “but love is for all people. My love for Peter gives me hope.”

In response to her letter, in spite of the so-called cold war, Brezhnev invites her to come to the Soviet Union as a guest, to join up with Peter. In England, friends and family brainwashed by anti-Soviet propaganda, tell her that she can’t go as the invitation is nothing more than a public relations exercise. Elaine responds: “The truth is, we love each other. Going to Russia can’t be any worse than staying here. This is Kirby. Go into any kitchen and see food shortage!”

She decides not to be persuaded by the brainwashed opinions of others but to go and see things as they really are with her own eyes. We see her next at the airport waiting to board the plane. Elaine now believes positive change is possible. If you have a dream, follow it. Her friend has accompanied her to the airport and says: “Tell Sergei that I love him,” indicating that she too wants to move away, to do what she feels is right.

The theatre was packed out with a massively enthusiastic audience enjoying both the magical live performances and the concepts being created on stage. Human love knows no boundaries. Follow your dreams. Ensure they evolve and become reality. Life can be changed for the better.

This show was another wonderful evening at Liverpool’s deservedly popular Royal Court Theatre. It’s what the world needs now.

Runs to October 17. Box office: (0151) 709-4321, liverpoolsroyalcourt.com.

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