REVIEW | Brief Encounter, Royal Exchange Theatre

Hannah Azuonye (Laura) and Baker Mukasa (Alec); Alec removing something from her eye - Photographer: Johan Persson

Time and journeys feature heavily within Brief Encounter, but the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has created a wonderfully innovative way to showcase the classic Noel Coward play.

Theatre in the round is no longer “new” however I do appreciate it when it’s done with intention, purpose and precision, rather than just a gimmick to paper over cracks. This production uses the round in the best way, not just logistically, creating a flow and ease to the staging, but also symbolically. Turning centre circle with an opportunity to use multiple circles within it, to symbolise the passage of time, or being on different wavelengths. The central clock is a constant reminder that time moves for no one.

Other technical highlights, and possibly my favourite include the feeling of a train rumbling through the theatre that was visceral and very well executed. The cast of nine (Matthew Allen, Hannah Azuonye, Richard Glaves, Georgia Frost, Christina Modestou, Baker Mukasa and Ida Regan) were fabulous, so many standouts that it just became that all were as good as each other, in different ways.

Music throughout the play was expertly done, not just technically but style and tone. Russell Ditchfield’s sound design was excellent and the band helped the atmosphere immensely and integrated essential power to the show.

In addition to this, all the voices that graced the stage were outstanding. Myrtle (Christina Modestou) in particular shone for her vocals as well as her characterisation, though all cast most certainly held their own.

Having never seen the original film, I intentionally did not research before the show. The plot is very of its time, I was however struck by how emotional my reaction to it was. As a recently married man, I found Alec (Baker Mukasa) to be unbearable, and this is where it’s tough to separate feelings from reality. I was bound to react strongly.

I should clarify, that Mukasa’s portrayal of Alec was great, but it was the casual acceptance of the affair that I struggled with. However, I would say I found it difficult to see the production’s stance on the subject. I think it’s helpful as the audience are given the hard facts and the audience can make up their minds and perceptions of what has unfolded. 

All in all, everything was well integrated, including a real bell to signal seats to be taken. It was certainly a journey and one I would happily take again!

At Royal Exchange Theatre until 13 Jan 2024.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★