Starts with a Letter
by Ian McMillan
Songs and Music by Carol Laula
The World Premiere opened at The Beacon Arts Centre Greenock on 7th November 2025.
A performed reading of the play took place at The Beacon Arts Centre on 27th March 2025 starring Mark Cox as the narrator.
She is a WAAF from Wigan going AWOL for love. He is a sailor from the Royal Navy on a 48-hour pass. Together, Olive and John risk everything in a true wartime romance told through letters exchanged during World War II.
Featuring original songs and live music from Carol Laula, “Scotland’s leading singer-songwriter” (The Herald), and an award-winning cast, this new musical play brings Olive and John together where every moment feels like stolen time.
This production opened at The Beacon Arts Centre in November and will tour in 2026.
Cast
Narrator - Mark Kydd
John - Dillon McFarlane
Olive - Eilidh Richardson
Musican - Emma Jane
Musician - Lindsay Johnstone
Director & Designer- Sean Kane
Video & Sound Design - Noel Griffin
Production Consultant - Nigel Jarvis
Lighting - David Gorry & Tom Reid
