Noel Coward's classic romance gets a zany and magnetic update in this utterly brilliant show from Kneehigh Theatre and Emma Rice. Now in the second month of a welcome revival at the Empire Theatre Haymarket - it's easy to see what makes this one of the capital's best sellers.

Fusing cinema with jubilant theatricality this expertly choreographed show includes songs (sung most beautifully by Jos Slovick) from Coward's back catalogue to add further depth the story of a mundane meeting at a train station tuned charged romance. Imbued with heart and surreality, (pitched perfectly so that neither aspect outshines the other) Alec (Jim Sturgeon) and Laura's (Isabel Pollen) romance is tense and achingly beautiful, clipped vowels and all, and all the more so surrounded by the hilarious periphery characters. From the the uppity cafe matron Myrtle (played at our performance by understudy Katrina Kleve), her randy train manager paramor (Dean Nolan) and hilarious assistant Beryl (Beverly Rudd), or the nosy society types that threaten to spill the beans on this famous emotional affair, every single cast member is a joy to behold.

All in all, a breezy and wonderful tribute to the power of great writing and clever adaptation, I hope this run of Brief Encounter is anything but. Thank you for coming back to us.