Brief Encounter
Manchester Royal Exchange

HIGHLY acclaimed when it was released in 1945, David Lean’s film Brief Encounter remains one of the most popular British films today. 

There are many reasons for this, not least the story of a love that is doomed by the oppressive middle-class morals of the age. But undoubtedly the haunting score from Rachmaninoff plays an important part. Its mournful beauty still has the power to melt even the coldest heart. 

In 2008 Emma Rice adapted the work, based on Noel Coward’s one-act play for the stage Still Life. She expanded the piece to spotlight the burgeoning love between other characters as well as interspersing songs from the period. Sarah Frankcom, returning to the Royal Exchange, takes this a stage further by using only original songs from the Noel Coward Songbook. 

Hannah Azounye and Baker Mukasa play the lovers, Laura and Alec, whose chance meeting at a railway station leads to a strong friendship which in turns grows into a deep love. An impossible love so strong it causes as much pain being together as being apart. 

The focus on the lives and loves of the other characters adds some relief from the intensity of the two main characters. The performances throughout are great and, given that most of the actors are doubling up and in some cases trebling up, the seamlessness of the action is incredible. 

Christina Modestou’s Myrtle is sharp and bright, full of gossip and charm. In addition to portraying the bustling cafe owner, she belts out a couple of Coward’s ballads to great effect. A word too for Ida Regan as the waitress Beryl whose performance as a young shy girl becoming a woman through the love of Stanley (Georgina Frost) is a delight. 

Musical director Matthew Malone has assembled a marvellous quartet which drives Coward’s songs forward, as well as skilfully adding incidental music which heightens the anxious tension of the two lovers. There is a lovely nod to Rachmaninoff with Malone playing the first couple of bars at the opening of the play. Perhaps the fact that the whole piece isn’t played is the reason the audience left with smiles rather than tears; that, and the exuberant and uplifting ensemble dance to close the show. 

If it’s heartbreak you want, watch the film. If you want to lose yourself for a couple of hours with some great songs and excellent performances from a multi-talented group of actors then this show will deliver.

Runs until 13 January 2024. Box office: 0161 833 9833, tickets.royalexchange.co.uk