When Crystal Palace made the national news…
In 2023 Crystal Palace made the national news after a letter was finally delivered to its destination – more than a century after it was written…
A letter written in February 1916 arrived at a flat in south London more than 100 years later. The envelope, which had a Bath postmark and a 1d (1p) stamp bearing George V’s head, arrived at Finlay Glen’s flat on Hamlet Road, Crystal Palace, in 2021.
Finlay (who directed Chet Baker: Let’s Get Lost that played here earlier this year) said: “We were obviously pretty surprised and mystified as to how it could have been sat around for more than 100 years.”
Royal Mail said it remained “uncertain what happened in this instance”. But suspicions grew that the letter was found when the Sydenham Sorting Office was closed.
The play
Inspired by the letter, research by the Norwood Society and their own deep dive into history, Good Wolf peel back the layers of time to reveal a story – both funny and moving – of war, faith, friendship and porridge oats.
This new play, part fact, part conjecture attempts to fill in the blanks of a story that captured national and international imaginations.
From 11th-20 July. Bridge House Theatre (close to Penge West Station). Grab your tickets now!