‘Brief Encounters’ – Kneehigh Theatre

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS – BY NOEL COWARD
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY EMMA RICE
KNEEHIGH THEATRE (UK) IN CONJUNCTION WITH ARTS PROJECTS AUSTRALIA
THE CONCOURSE THEATRE, CHATSWOOD
1 – 17 NOVEMBER 2013

NOTE: We meet up with a friend in the cast after the show, hence, no transcription. In lieu, here’s a quick summary of our thoughts on the show.

Lea: What a visually stunning production. I have rarely seen a screen used to such great effect on stage, and the actors worked it seamlessly into the action. It was a tightly directed and well paced show, that had my confidence from the start. Gorgeous musical interludes were dotted throughout a polite romance. I think I wanted a bit more emotional range out of the two leads, but for the era that this play is set in, everyone WAS very proper, reserved and controlled. So I felt a bit torn between the rollicking antics of the station cafe staff and patrons and then the desperately sad affair, that would never end up doing any one any good. It was fabulous to see Michelle Nightingale on stage in this UK production. She was one of only two Australians cast, and rehearsed in London, and Michelle could easily be mistaken as coming from the original cast. I think the show would have benefited from a season in town. It felt a bit lonely and forgotten out at Chatswood.

Sybil: Brief Encounters is essentially the plot of the film acted out in the middle of a musical: the two central characters who – eventually, tragically – fall in love, are the only two who don’t sing (well, much anyway). That’s a shame, because the actress playing Laura (Michelle Nightingale – the romantic lead) is probably one of the most gifted singers I’ve ever encountered. And at this point I should probably note that we’ve known each other for twenty-odd years. Overall – a sweet concept, with very interesting staging. I loved the use of the film projections and the live musicians who serenaded us in the foyer, and turned out to be characters in the show. First time we’ve been out to the Concourse theatre – nice theatre, but… it’s in Chatswood, people!

IN SUMMARY

PRE SHOW DRINKS: A quick glass of bubbles in the foyer. We were pleased to see that The Concourse allows you take your drinks inside the theatre, provided they are housed in plastic.
POST SHOW DRINKS: Chatswood on a Sunday night is just a bit dead. So we retired to Sybil’s house with our friend in the cast.
HANGOVER STATUS: Surprisingly dusty. Beware the comfort of a home, you accidentally consume more.

MORE INFO: theconcourse.com.au/event/brief-encounter