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| Rachel Pickup |
This gem of a short play, written in 1936, was the inspiration for David Lean’s movie Brief Encounter that was to follow some nine years later. Rachel Pickup and Alasdair Craig as Laura Jesson and Alec Harvey, the star-crossed couple at the story’s focus, are faced with the challenge of massive shoes to fill.
The pair rise to the challenge magnificently, and in performances of the utmost tenderness and nuance, rekindle perhaps the greatest British love story of the 20th century. Coward’s writing was magnificent at depicting the detail of England’s niceties, courtesies and class segregations and his script is a work of art in how so much is suggested with such minimal dialogue.
Both leads are flawless in their delivery, but in Pickup’s work particularly, as she grapples with her conflicting emotions, there is perhaps the finest acting to be found in London today.
The supporting cast of Elizabeth Elvin, Antony Jardine and Seren Sandham-Davies in assorted roles are equally top-notch, with an enchanting romantic subplot playing out alongside the hustle and bustle of a busy railway station, itself cleverly depicted by well timed sound effects.
The acoustics of the room occasionally muffled the dialogue - but the occasional musical interludes (including some stunning keyboard work from Sandham-Davies) more than compensated.
Credit to director Tam Williams for taking Coward’s genius and crafting it into this gem of a production, performed by a gifted company.
Only pulling into town for one week, jump on a London-bound express to catch this unmissable treat. Did I mention that the ticket includes a first-class cream tea too?
Deeply moving drama, I think I might have caught a piece of grit in my eye….
Runs until 12th September
Photo credit: Andreas Lambis
