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On 19th February, The Quay Theatre will play host to a theatrical experience that brings history to life in the most personal of ways. Posting Letters to the Moon, performed by Lucy Fleming and Simon Williams, is a compelling journey through the wartime correspondence of Lucy’s parents, celebrated actress Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter) and her husband, Peter Fleming, a wartime spy and the brother of James Bond creator Ian Fleming. This unique performance promises an evening of nostalgia, history, laughter and storytelling that you won’t want to miss.
Lucy Fleming always knew about her parents’ letters, but it wasn’t until years after their passing that she rediscovered them in a box in the loft. Among them were Peter’s letters from India and Malaysia, where he served in espionage during World War II, and Celia’s letters detailing her extraordinary life as an actress, a police officer, and a mother and guardian of eight children in wartime Britain. These letters offer a unique glimpse into a time of great hardship and resilience, filled with warmth and humour.
Simon Williams describes how the letters capture the spirit of the time, despite the war, Celia and Peter infused their correspondence with jokes on delicate airmail paper. They also discovered new details about Peter’s experiences, including his escape from a sinking boat, a tragic event in which many others did not survive.
Lucy carefully organised the letters in chronological order, weaving them together with historical context to create an intimate and immersive experience. During the performance, Lucy reads her mother’s letters, while Simon reads Peter’s, resulting in a dialogue that paints a vivid picture of their lives and the world they lived in.
Simon speaks of how beautifully written these letters are—rich in detail and offering a rare personal perspective on history. The performance covers Peter’s espionage career and Celia’s time on the set of Brief Encounter, one of the most iconic British films of that time.
Audiences have been captivated by Posting Letters to the Moon, with glowing reviews from theatre-goers and celebrities, including Joanna Lumley. The show is described as nostalgic and deeply engaging, accompanied by 1940s music to set the scene. After the performance, audiences are invited to stay for a Q&A session, where many share their own family’s wartime letters, adding to the evening’s personal impact.
Simon Williams is a familiar face on stage and screen. He starred in Upstairs Downstairs and Don’t Wait Up and now plays the ghastly Justin Elliot in The Archers, with Lucy playing his equally unpleasant ex-wife, Miranda.
Posting Letters to The Moon is a rare opportunity to experience a truly special piece of theatre.
Book your tickets here and step back in time with Lucy Fleming and Simon Williams as they bring these extraordinary wartime letters to life at The Quay Theatre.
