Brief Encounter - Royal Exchange Theatre

Brief Encounter - photo by Johan Persson.

WHEN I think of romance, a train station is the last place that comes to mind.

But love is most definitely in the air at Milford Junction, setting for Noel Coward’s classic and quintessentially English play.

While this touching and heart warming piece was inspired by a one act play from the 30s, there was no point in the production I felt I was watching the resurrection of some sort of theatrical dinosaur.

It’s remarkable who fresh and modern Sarah Frankcom’s production feels, even if the setting and the way the characters interact is firmly Noel Coward. For instance, I can’t remember the last time I saw anyone tucking into afternoon tea at a train station.

The story follows Laura and Alec whose lives are transformed by a chance meeting after he steps in to become her knight in shining armour to remove a piece of dust from her eye. The chance meeting sparks an intense and passionate affair, providing Laura with a real antidote to a marriage that’s lost its spark.

There’s a palpable, powerful chemistry between Hannah Azuonye and Baker Mukasa as Laura and Alec, with Ida Regan and Georgia Frost providing memorable comic relief as the wonderful Beryl and her suitor in waiting, Stanley. Frost sounds and moves like a man for this piece of gender swapping and both have a sense of comic timing that can only be described as exemplary.

A dynamic, multi-talented cast serve up a treat here and the timeless songs of Noel Coward provide the perfect musical backdrop to an evening of theatre that’s sure to set even the hopelessly unromantic swooning.

Superb entertainment.

Until January 13. The box office is on 0161 833 9833 or www.royalexchange.co.uk.

Star rating - *****