Join Theatre by the Lake for a trip back to the 40’s this September. Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter has been adapted for the stage by Emma Rice and will be staged ‘in the round’ from 14 September to 8 October. It’s promising all the romance of the original... with added tea and buns. There will be music, dancing and Theatre by the Lake are encouraging 40’s dress, so if you want to take a trip back with them, feel free!

Emma Rice who adapted this classic 1945 film, saw this production recently and said: “Brief Encounter is a theatrical delight. The super talented cast weave effortlessly between characters, emotions and instruments! They are close enough to touch but fully immersed in this sometimes hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking production. Poetic and powerful, witty and warm, musical and moving - this stunning production captures Noel Coward’s unique take on human love perfectly. I fell in love all over again!"

The first time it was performed on a stage was by Kneehigh in 2008 and it was then widely praised for its innovativeness. Then in 2021, it made another appearance, directed by Robert Kirby for The Watermill theatre. Full 2021 Guardian Article HERE.

Pete Ashmore has appeared on a Theatre by the Lake stage before. In 2019 he played Bob Cratchit in a Christmas Carol. He said this about returning to Keswick again "I’m so happy we’re bringing our co-produced version of Brief Encounter to the beautiful Theatre by the Lake. I was fortunate enough to spend Christmas here with A Christmas Carol three years ago and it settled in my heart as one of our best theatres, in one of the most beautiful spots in the UK. Please do come along and enjoy this lovely experience with us. Brief Encounter is the most delicately written, joyously funny observation on the nature of love and I and our brilliant cast and crew cannot wait to share it with you."

Sally Cheng (Mrs Cratchit), Max Gallagher (Tiny Tim) and Pete Ashmore (Bob Cratchit). Photo by Steven Barber. Pete Ashmore shows his versatility in the role of the downtrodden employee of Mr Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and also as Scrooge’s old teacher the evil Mr Grimes, his fun first employer, Mr Fezziwig, and loving nephew, George... writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.

This co-production of Brief Encounter is already getting some great feedback from audiences in Liverpool. Theatre by the Lake are hoping that some of the great audiences they had for One Man, Two Guvnors will come and see this next exciting musical production.

"Superb talented cast with acting & musical skills. Highly recommended for a great evening out!"

"Still reliving every glorious moment in my head! It will stay with me a long time - the characters, the atmosphere, the emotion, a really great experience!"

"One of the best shows I’ve ever seen!"

"Totally FIRST CLASS production."

"What can I say - fab-u-lous!!!"