Interview: Eva Feiler on Dear Jack, Dear Louise at Arcola Theatre
Theatre Weekly | By Greg Stewart
Dear Jack, Dear Louise arrives at Arcola Theatre in a moving UK premiere, telling the real-life love story of two people who connect across thousands of miles during World War II. The intimate two‑hander blends warmth, wit and emotional depth.
Eva Feiler stars alongside Preston Nyman in this heartfelt production, written by the award‑winning playwright Ken Ludwig and directed by Simon Reade. The play charts an unlikely relationship built entirely through letters.
The production runs at Arcola Theatre from 2 April to 2 May 2026, with tickets available here.
You’re starring in Dear Jack, Dear Louise at Arcola Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a rom com about two people falling in love. It’s a true story written by the incredible Ken Ludwig, and I think it will leave you feeling giddy and hopeful.
What first drew you to the role of Louise, and what do you enjoy most about bringing this character to life?
Louise is full of opposites, which I love about her. There is something both quite childlike and wise about her.
She grabs life and loves life and feels deeply. And she reminds me to be brave. So it is a special thing to step into her sparkly shoes.
The play is based on real wartime letters between Ken Ludwig’s parents. How has working with material rooted in true history influenced your performance?
I have been absorbing as much material as I can. Films, songs, plays and musicals from the time period have all helped. Being rooted in true history encourages both a freedom and a specificity in the performance.
Ken has also been involved during rehearsals, giving us brilliant ideas and stories about his parents. This has helped me begin to feel who Louise is.
How have you found collaborating with director Simon Reade on this production?
Brilliant. Simon encourages every idea, so it feels like a real collaboration.
This is also a project that has been close to his heart for a number of years, so it feels like a privilege to be working with him.
The story explores connection across distance in a way that still feels very current. What themes do you think will resonate most with audiences today?
Falling for someone and hoping (desperately) they might like you…
Finding your place in a new part of the world…
Dreaming big…
Feeling vulnerable…
Taking a chance…
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Dear Jack, Dear Louise?
This is an uplifting, funny, beautiful play. The Arcola have Pay What You Can Tuesdays. Come along! Why not?