Ken Ludwig is an American playwright, author, screenwriter, and director whose work has been performed in more than 30 countries in over 20 languages. He has had six productions on Broadway and eight in London's West End. His 34 plays and musicals are reputed to be staged throughout the United States and around the world every night of the year.
He is known for writing original comedies, musicals and for adapting classic works of literature for the stage. His first hit play, Lend Me a Tenor, performed in the West End in London in 1986 and on Broadway in 1989 was nominated for several Tony Awards, winning two. He as subsequently won numerous other awards. His 2019 comedy-romance, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, is based on the story of his parents' courtship through letters during World War II.
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Award winning playwright Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise" is a poignant and engaging love story, filled with comedy and an uplifting sense of hope, the play is based off of Ludwig's parents and the true story of how they fell in love during WW2 via letters. Two strangers, having never met in person, slowly fall for one another in front of us, writing letters to one another over a 2 year period. All this is dramatised in an exciting and stimulating way, in which we the audience see two characters sat 3 feet away from each other, but in reality are 3000 miles apart. Their letters become a conversation, and as we slowly learn more and more about these two lovebirds, we begin to understand what an amazing accomplishment their love was. Not only to fall for each other only through the power of words, but also during one of history's darkest and harshest times.
This play could spark memories for us all, from tales told from our parents or grandparents of their wartime experiences, and how that small sliver of hope made all the difference. And for those who are further removed from that time, it is an eye opening experience of how life was, having to wait weeks on end for a reply to their letters, a seemingly horrifying thought in todays tendancy for immediacy in a digital age. Regardless, it is impossible not to feel deeply involved in Jack and Louise's journey, and we look forward to having you join us on it.
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| Jack | Killian Wheeler |
| Louise | Emily Frost |
Crew
| Director | Callum West |
| Assistant Director | Janine Catterall |
| Producer | Robin Hall |
| Stage Manager | Tracy Ancsell |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Di Coates |
| Lighting Design | Roger Niven |
| Sound Design | Callum West |
| Lighting Operation | Roger Niven |
| Sound Operation | Paul Millington |
| Set Design | Callum West |
| Props Supply | Kevin West |
| Props Supply | Graham Frost |
| Set Construction | Members of Bench Theatre |
| Costume Design | Lorraine Stone |
| Flyer Design | Dan Finch |
| Programme Editor | Derek Callam |
| Photography | John Ash |
| Front of House Manager | Robin Hall |
Director's Notes
I think I fell in love with this play within the first three pages. It was so unique and interesting and I could immediately visualise the whole show in my head. I know that it's worth directing when that happens to me, so I decided to give it a shot. The play delves so perfectly into the world of yesteryear, whilst integrating this modern feel of immediancy. It's something I've never seen before and desperately wanted to explore.
I have been blessed to have two amazing actors come join us here at the Bench and they have made one hell of an entrance. To take on a show of this magnitude, which equates to two one-man shows running side by side, is so brave to do - especially after only just joining. They have both been an absolute pleasure to work with, and I seriously hope that they will be inspired to continue working with the Bench in the future.
Finally, I wanted to say a massive thank you to all at the Bench who have supported me so much since returning to the fold. I include, in no small part, my own parent who have supported my through this show and they are my inspiration for these characters in a small way.
I think if we could all find our own Jack or Louise, the world would be an infinitely better place.
Callum West
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