The Royal Exchange Manchester has welcomed Emma Rice’s adaptation of Brief Encounter for its winter season.
Based on the iconic Noel Coward film from 1945, this adaptation is inventive and heart-wrenching.
First performed in 2008, it is a heart-stopping story of forbidden love layered with wit, warmth, and toe-tapping music.
Housewife Laura and local doctor Alec first find each other in a bustling railway station, a place where the rest of the world is just passing through.
Bittersweet and hopelessly hooked on one another, they fall wildly in love and embark on an elegantly awkward and forbidden love affair.
The performances of leads Hannah Azuonye and Baker Mukasa held the story together as the love-stricken strangers built a loving relationship scene by scene.
However, the performances of the supporting characters brought relatability and humour to the story, as they lived their lives around the main love story.
The chemistry between the supporting cast knitted together a realistic atmosphere that made you feel that you were peering into the lives of ordinary people in a bustling train station.
While special mention has to go to Christina Modestou, her wit, sharp remarks, and dancing ability within her roles dazzled.
Yet this incredible performance was topped off by her incredible singing range, which brought raptures of applause with every song.
The musical numbers drawn from Coward’s extraordinary songbook were expertly performed by the band, led by Musical Director Matthew Malone.
Marking the 50th anniversary of Coward’s death, director Sarah Frankcom expertly celebrated his original work with this production.
The subtle details of the sound design from the incoming and departing trains, paired with the ability to engage you in the story, are commendable.
Minor stage design features, particularly the classically designed clock above the centre of the stage, truly encapsulated you within the story.
While the circular stage could prove to be challenging for a lesser production, it was used magnificently to add extra elements to the show.
Overall, Brief Encounter is a heart-wrenching experience that cannot be missed. It will have you in fits of laughter one moment, then emotionally invested in the gripping love story the next. It is a must-watch this Christmas period.
The thoroughly engaging musical will be performed at the Royal Exchange until January 13, 2024.
Tickets are available at: https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event/brief-encounter/
Feature Image: Brendan McGilligan
