The Royal Court theatre in Liverpool is staging a stage adaptation of the 1985 film Letter to Brezhnev, a beloved story about two working-class women in post-industrial Liverpool, one of whom pursues a romance with a Russian sailor. This revival matters as a cultural touchstone exploring themes of escape, hope and border-defying love—released just before the Soviet Union's collapse and a year before Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine. The production has impressed critics, with director Nicole Behan bringing theatrical energy and passion to the material whilst preserving its tender emotional core.

Ellie Clayton plays Elaine, the protagonist who discovers the world opening up during a night out with stolen cash, whilst Angela Simms plays her best friend Teresa, the pragmatic counterpart. Frank Clarke's adaptation closely follows his original screenplay, featuring the same sequence of taxi rides, club nights and ferry crossings. The production, designed by Mark Walters with lighting by Ian Scott, employs a multi-level set with inventive staging; Rob Green's musical direction incorporates live vocals over 70s and 80s hits. The show runs at the Royal Court theatre, Liverpool, until 17 October.