Kneehigh Theatre’s Brief Encounter is based on a one-act play from 1936, Still Life, as well as the famous screen adaptation from 1945 starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, from which this production takes its title.
Told through multiple art forms, the story revolves around Laura, a wife and mother whose chance meeting with a fellow train passenger, Alec, ignites a spark that they both quickly realise is missing from of their lives. Sadly, both are married, both have children, and their love is destined to be unrequited.
The play literally begins in the foyer: a 1930’s trio serenades the arriving audience, before moving to the theatre, joined by two classically attired ushers.
As the lights dim, the credits roll – this is a multi-faceted production, combining theatre, puppetry, music hall and cinematic features. As the ‘film’ begins we see Laura’s husband, standing in their home, calling her back. Suddenly, a couple rises from the front row – Laura and Alec. Caught between the two men in her life, she turns her back on the man in the audience and plunges through the screen, appearing in the film.
As the screen rises, the true set is revealed – a versatile blend of set pieces and a metal framework, with a cinematic backdrop, which doubles as both the railway platform on which Alec (Laura’s lover, played by Jim Sturgeon) and Laura meet, and her home.
On this stage we see the entwined love stories of Alec and Laura, alongside the older affections of Myrtle (Annette McLaughlin) and Albert (Joe Alessi), and Beryl (Kate Cheel) and Stanley (Damon Daunno).
This production features the current Kneehigh Theatre cast, with two Australian additions – Michelle Nightingale, as Laura, and Kate Cheel, as Beryl. These actors blended seamlessly with the experienced cast – and the chemistry between them is obvious and natural.
The cast work well with each other and the set pieces, moving between scenes – and in some cases, different characters – with little impact on the flow and, quite obviously, enjoying every moment.
Emma Rice’s production is fluid, creative and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. The set and production design are used to maximum effect and the musical undertones and interludes feel like a true cinematic score – never intrusive, unless required to be at the fore. Have your own encounter with it.
Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5
Brief Encounter
State Theatre Company of SA, Arts Projects Australia & Adelaide Festival Centre present
A Kneehigh production
Adapted & Directed by Emma Rice
Associate Director: Simon Harvey
Original Music: Stu Baker
Musical Director: Ian Ross
Designer: Neil Murray
Lighting Designer: Malcolm Rippeth
Projection & Film Designers: Jon Driscoll & Gemma Carrington
Sound Designer: Simon Baker
Associate Sound Designer: Andy Graham
Producer: Paul Crewes
Cast: Joe Alessi, Kate Cheel, Damon Daunno, Annette McLaughlin, Michelle Nightingale and Jim Sturgeon
Musicians: Dave Brown & James Gow
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
10-28 September
ADDITIONAL DATES:
Canberra: Canberra Theatre, 2-5 October
Melbourne Festival: The Athenaeum, 9-27 October
Sydney: The Concourse, 31 October – 1 November
Wollongong: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 20-23 November
Perth: The Regal, 28 November – 1 December
Image: Michelle Nightingale as Laura and Jim Sturgeon as Alec in Kneehigh Theatre’s Brief Encounter.
