Brief Encounter

A few weeks after their production of ‘Dorian’, Harlequin Players Club presented their production of ‘Brief Encounter’, directed by Yvette Owen. As soon as you entered the auditorium, you were immersed in the production, joining Laura and Alec in the cinema, with an usher bringing round cinema treats – lovely touch! The immersive feeling carried on into the second act, as when returning to the auditorium, the audience had entered a restaurant with the cast on stage eating. The set was versatile and was able to be used for different locations, from the station café, to Laura’s home to the date on the boat. With the band located upstage, the café set stage right and Laura’s home downstage left, this created a good space in the middle for the action to unfold, including the boat scene, which was beautifully staged with a boat that was well manoeuvred by the cast, and the company creating the tree-lined bank. Yvette’s direction was good throughout, with the cast confident in their blocking. Costumes were very good throughout, and were suitable to the time period.

Technical elements were well integrated into the production. The projections aided the story well, and it was great having them in black and white – a nod to the film of which this play was adapted from. Lighting was good throughout, especially the closing moments with Laura. Sound effects were used well throughout, with the sound of trains passing.

As with a lot of Emma Rice plays, ‘Brief Encounter’ had songs interwoven into the piece, with characters having solos and singing as a group. The group of musicians (Catherine Singleton – cello, Matt Parry – piano, John Booth – drums, and Martin Hoffman – ukulele) performed well and underscored the production. Stuart Dutton, Catherine Singleton and Sarah Helsby Hughes assisted with the musical direction. The songs that the cast performed were good, with some very good singers as part of the company. The music really added to the overall production.

Adrian Grace played Alec Harvey. Adrian gave a strong and convincing performance as Alec. There was a tenderness to Adrian’s character, and created a beautiful partnership with Emily. You believed in their love story. Adrian was also able to display a strong singing voice during his performance.

Emily Duffy played Laura Jesson. This was a genuine performance from Emily. You got a real sense of her confusion between being faithful to her husband and continuing to meet Alec. Emily could give a look, and you instantly knew what she was thinking and feeling. She lived the character, giving a wholly believable performance. Emily created a strong partnership with Adrian.

Jo Ridgley did very well as Myrtle, the owner of the station café. She created a great partnership with Pamela – their scenes were lovely to watch. Myrtle’s love story was played well by Jo, and there was a believable relationship formed with Dave. Jo has a lovely singing voice, which she was able to display throughout the production.

Dave Rogerson did well doubling up as Albert and Fred. Playing two characters on different journeys on their love stories, Dave played both well. From the distanced husband of Laura, to wooing Myrtle, Dave was able to vary his performance to play these two contrasting characters.

Pamela Hewitt was a delight as Beryl. She was constantly in character, always reacting to the action that was happening. Pamela brought some nice comic relief to the production, with some very funny facial reactions. She formed a great partnership with Jo, and created a believable first love relationship with Dan.

Dan Aynsley put in a good performance as Stanley. As mentioned, there was a good relationship formed with Pamela – you totally believed they were a young couple in love. Dan attacked the songs well, with good vocal clarity and diction.

The Company comprised of Stuart Dutton, Tom Teasdale, Amber Larose, Claire Bentley, Andrea Jones and Tina Wyatt. These performers appeared throughout the production in named parts, as well as adding to the scenes appearing as café customers, restaurant patrons, and creating the willow tree. Andrea Jones and Tina Wyatt created a good double act as the busybody friends of Laura. Tom Teasdale and Amber Larose worked well together as the children of Laura. They created a believable brotherly and sisterly bond. Claire Bentley added some humour in her cameo role of Dolly near the end of the play. Stuart Dutton was in fine voice throughout, and performed strongly in his scene alongside Adrian. The Company were well-drilled in what they were doing, and were totally invested in telling the story throughout.

Overall, this was a very good production. There was strong staging, some excellent performances and secure direction.

Thank you to Harlequin Players Club for their kind invitation.

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