Brief Encounter Tickets

The year was 1946. On the silver screen at the Haymarket cinema, Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter premiered. Now in 2008, it is back, as the Kneehigh Theatre company brings Brief Encounter to a Live Stage! This production, as it switches seamlessly between theatre and film has been described as ‘Wonderfully refreshing. A Delight’ by The Times, ‘A First class return to romance’ by The Daily Telegraph, and The Daily Mail tells you to ‘Give yourselves a treat and go’.

With Noël Coward’s wonderful soundtrack accompanying, sit back and watch history unfold as the lives and romances of three couples are played out onstage.

The new production uses the script of Noël Coward’s original stage play Still Life and at the same time utilises the screenplay of Brief Encounter. The resulting hybrid of the two is a unique marvel that transports you back in time to an age of romance and music-hall charm. Emma Rice, the Artistic Director of Kneehigh Theatre Company has transformed not only the stage to a bygone era, but also the auditorium – from the moment the door opens you are greeted by a 1940s cinema complete with ushers and cucumber sandwiches. Experience first hand what it was like to be the characters Laura and Alec whilst they visited the cinema on their love affair. Even Brief Encounter plays onscreen, with Laura and Alec in the front row!

Onscreen Laura’s husband Fred pleads with her to come home. In the aisles of the auditorium, her and Alec swap and altercation. In a unique twist, Laura then walks through the screen and appears next to Fred, reassuring him that she’s home. This is just one of the many delights in store for you when you visit the Haymarket Cinema.

David Lean’s Brief Encounter was based on the one-act Noël Coward play Still Life, written a decade earlier and has been captivating audiences since its premiere in the 1940s. This year Naomi Frederick and Tristan Sturrock star as the ill-fated couple, as romance blossoms between them and two other couples amongst the rail staff. Songs include ‘A Room With A View’ and Ribaldi’s ‘Alice Is At It Again’. Whilst you’re there, look out for some charming pieces during the interval, with new 1940s-style adverts rolling out on screen. Emma Rice’s new production is a unique treat taking place in the theatre where it all began.

This is a one off venture, which should definitely not be missed!