A PLAY about the life of Tynedale author Jane Torday’s late father has opened in London’s West End.

It’s the adaptation of Jane’s younger brother, Charlie’s bestselling book, Dear Lupin – Letters to a Wayward Son.

Life imitates art in that actor James Fox plays Jane and Charlie’s father, Roger Mortimer, the highly regarded racing correspondent, whilst Fox’s youngest son, Jack plays Charlie (aka Lupin).

Jane, whose own biographical memoir about their father, Dearest Jane – My Father’s Life and Letters, was published last year, was at the opening night at The Apollo on Shaftesbury Avenue last Monday.

She said: “My family and I were there along with various stars like Edward Fox, Clare Balding and Vogue editor, Alexandra Shullman.

“To have a real father and son play a real father and son is pretty special and endows the play with additional heart.”

The play is doing a six week run at The Apollo.

Jane added: “The play is the thing to see (although surreal to family members) but I am told that my book is the one to read!”

Roger Mortimer was a former Coldstream Guards officer, prisoner of war and author.

He was the most highly regarded racing correspondent of his generation, working for BBC Radio Two as well as for The Times newspaper.

As well as being an author, Jane is well known for first establishing the Garden Station and woodland walk at Langley-on-Tyne.