BRIEF ENCOUNTER

Brief Encounter “offers audiences more then what they anticipate,” says lead actress Michelle Nightingale about Kneehigh’s adaptation of Noël Coward’s original screenplay Still Life.

“It is theatre in its truest form”.

Set in England during the winter of 1938-39, the production is centered around Milford Junction railway station and follows the story of suburban housewife Laura who is in a mundane but loving marriage.

Switching between theatre, song and black and white film footage, director Emma Rice has successfully synthesised multiple forms of art and created a “remarkable experience for the audience”.

Speaking on the direction of Rice, Nightingale exclaims that she loves the philosophy at Kneehigh.

“I was so nervous about my first rehearsal until Emma announced that she encourages mistakes. There is nothing interesting in something perfect”.

For the tour down under, Kneehigh have commissioned two Aussie actresses for the cast.

Michelle Nightingale and Kate Cheel are being described as “perfect fits” and have been welcomed by the Australian audiences.

Brief Encounter has been surmised as the “most haunting love story you will ever see” and together, Emma Rice and Kneehigh have created a masterpiece in their adaptation of this journey of love and loss, maturing and growth. (TO)

Oct 31-Nov 10, The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, $45-78, theconcourse.com.au

BY TRIANA O’KEEFE