REVIEW: Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Ken Ludwig at Arcola Theatre 2 April – 2 May 2026
‘In a world that does everything to keep them apart, their attraction and need for each other never dies, and the chemistry between these two carry the play till the end.’ ★★★★
Jack and Louise live in different worlds, at opposite sides of the United States, in the middle of World War II. Jack, a military doctor stationed in Oregon and Louise, an aspiring musical theatre actress living in New York. Whilst their realities couldn’t be further apart, they start exchanging letters, hopeful to be able to meet in a near future.
The show is solely based on their letter exchanges, that slowly blends into being conversations. Their obvious affection for each other quickly grows despite their distance. ‘Sometimes I want to be in a show so much I want to cry about it. Do you ever feel like that about anything?’ Louise asks timidly, scared to reveal too much of herself. ‘I guess I’m angry at the war’ Jack replies, trying to keep up with her relentless energy. Their relationship feels so tangible yet so fragile – what if suddenly one of them stops writing? What if they meet other people? And as Louise’s Broadway dreams start to come true, and Jack suffers the consequences of the escalating war, will they ever meet?
Both parts are splendidly casted. Eva Feiler portrays Louise beautifully, a young woman fighting for her dreams, throwing herself playfully and whole-heartedly into everything that comes her way. Preston Nyman as Jack, completely perfects the pair: he is sweet, kind and reserved, and his passion for everything that Louise does is all the more touching. In a world that does everything to keep them apart, their attraction and need for each other never dies, and the chemistry between these two carry the play till the end.
The set recreates realistically both Jack and Louise’s worlds on each side of the stage. While the show feels quite static, especially during the first part of the play, the audience stays captivated and engaged in their unexpected love story.
The pairing of awarded playwright Ken Ludwig and acclaimed director Simon Reade works its magic, creating a piece full of light-heartedness and humour, whilst delving into the absurdity and cruelty of the war.
Refreshing, amusing and moving, ‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’ brings hope and love to a world fractured by war where everything feels impossible.
Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Ken Ludwig,
Directed by Simon Reade
Arcola Theatre 2 April – 2 May 2026
BOX OFFICE https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/dear-jack-dear-louise/
Photography: Alex Brenner
