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Brief Encounter (Classic Radio Theatre)

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Brief Encounter (Classic Radio Theatre)

By: Noel Coward
Narrated by: Jenny Seagrove, Nigel Havers
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About this listen

Jenny Seagrove and Nigel Havers star in this BBC Radio 2 production of Noël Coward’s classic tale of forbidden love.

Laura Jesson is a happily married woman until a chance encounter in a train station café draws her to Dr Alec Harvey. Literally bumping into each other brings temptation, danger and guilt into their lives and a doomed love affair ensues...

A classic love story, Brief Encounter was made into a much-loved and hugely successful film in 1945, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard. This 2009 adaptation is faithful to Coward’s original screenplay and features a distinguished cast including Jenny Seagrove and Nigel Havers.

The 'Classic Radio Theatre' range presents notable radio productions of much-loved plays by some of the most renowned playwrights, and starring some of our finest actors.

©2011 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2011 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Drama & Plays European World Literature

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I was slightly wary when I saw Brief Encounter was available, after all the film is iconic and surely the play would be very dated? But it is a real gem, Jenny Seagrove and Nigel Havers take on the mantles of Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard admirably and the rest of the cast are equally good . Although the story's morals are outmoded, they are charming and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance. Not for nothing was Nöel Coward called The Master.

A Brief Encounter with the Golden Age

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Faithful rendition. Would have liked more of Rachmaninov 2 to be heard against the backdrop

Main characters true to original story

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Old fashioned but sweet. Jenny Seagrove and Nigel Havers are perfect in the roles made famous by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.

A wonderful piece of nostalgia

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Spoilt by the wooden soulless acting of Jenny Seagrove whom is so obviously miss cast. She was good in the classic “A Woman of Substance”, but in this radio production of Brief Encounter it is the male characters who hold this together. Everyone who loves this story does so because of the brilliant acting in the black & white film of the 1940’s. You can tell Seagrove is struggling with the part as she is soulless, absolutely ‘no’ passion nor excitement in her supposed to be ‘Head over Heals in Love with & Obsessively Passionate’ Character obsessed with this wonderful man whom has suddenly entered into her boring staid life.
She is almost embarrassing and simply awful.

GREAT CLASSIC RADIO BREIF ENCOUNTER

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Perfect acting.
Excellent portrayal

Throughly enjoyed.
Nigel excels with voice tone suited to the character.

Brief Encounter

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Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Only if they had not seen the film! Seagrove and Havers are well cast (although the wonderful Nicholas Farrell is wasted) but it lacks the impact of the film and - perhaps overcompensating for the medium - Seagrove does sound somewhat hystrionic at points, contrary to the repression of the characters' emotions which is the crux of the story. Missed the Rachmaninov score too - why use it only at the end?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Laura is the centre of the story, and the conceit of having her narrate events to her - not listening, complacent - husband is brilliant, conveying her real isolation.

What three words best describe Jenny Seagrove and Nigel Havers ’s performance?

Perfect voices for roles but Seagrove overdoes it at times.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

I have!

Any additional comments?

This is probably as good a radio adaptation as you could get - it's just that it's impossible to get close to the impact of the film.

Doesn't stand comparison with the film

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