Our review of flawless New Wolsey Theatre's Brief Encounter

Returning to this timeless play with much anticipation, I hoped to experience a congruous blend of both a humorous wit and the hapless love of our protagonists - Laura Jesson (Hanora Kamen) and Dr Alec Harvey (Jammy Kasongo).

Director Douglas Rintoul staged Noel Coward's Brief Encounter at the New Wolsey Theatre. (Image: Marc Brenner)

My expectations were more than exceeded.

Director Douglas Rintoul definitely achieved his goal in ensuring audiences would get as much joy out of Brief Encounter as the cast and crew had in creating it.

From the moment we were shown to our seats by cast members costumed in traditional theatre usher dress, I could tell they had hit the nail on the head for that 1940s feel.

Brief Encounter at the New Wolsey Theatre. (Image: Marc Brenner)

As the lights dimmed to reveal a flickering vintage cinema screen projection, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the actor who had shown us to our seats (Tom Self, also musical director) had started to play the piano.

This was just the start.

I found myself soundlessly mouthing 'surely not' as cast member after cast member seemed to pick up a never-ending plethora of musical instruments.

Paired with the acting prowess demonstrated through tragedy and humour in equal measures, a personal favourite being bearded actor Samuel Morgan-Grahame's portrayal of Laura's son ("Mummy, it's MY birthday tomorrow!"), I quite forgot my surroundings.

Brief Encounter at the New Wolsey Theatre. (Image: Marc Brenner)

Had the New Wolsey been transformed into Carnforth station? Were there trains passing through the very theatre itself?

As Laura and Alec said "it's raining / is it?", I felt their aching love for each other and how, to each other, they were the only people who existed at that moment.

The only thing I was left yearning for was the chance to be able to experience it all over again.

Brief Encounter continues until May 13.