Still Life at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Noël Coward’s Still Life is the short play that inspired David Lean’s film Brief Encounter, following two strangers whose chance meeting at the tearoom of Milford Junction railway station develops into something far more complicated. In this immersive production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the audience is transported onto one of two “platforms” positioned on either side of the great bar in the theatre’s Grand Saloon. It’s an imaginative and exciting use of the space, and the staging feels refreshing, giving the audience a distinctive way of experiencing Coward’s story.

The production’s setting, however, is not always matched by the action. The frequent ringing of the bell as characters move in and out of the saloon bar, run by Myrtle (Elizabeth Elvin) and Beryl (Emily Panes), gives the production a playful but repetitive quality. The pair joke, sing and help establish the atmosphere and circumstances of each scene, while ticket inspector Albert (Antony Jardine) adds to the lively ensemble. At times, the acting can feel quite hammy in these moments and distract from the quieter emotional nuances of the story, although the performers are engaging and succeed in keeping the audience entertained.

When Alec (Alasdair Craig) and Laura (Rachel Pickup), the story’s most recognisable characters, meet at the bar, the mood starts to shift. Alec helps Laura remove something caught in her eye, and the two settle down to share a cup of tea. Their conversation carries the faint suggestion of an attraction, but their first encounter lacks the spark, fascination and romantic tension that might be expected from such a pivotal meeting. It’s only later, as their relationship develops into an affair and the consequences begin to weigh upon them, that the production finds the emotional intensity it initially seems to be missing.

This is felt most strongly through Laura, whose growing inner conflict gives the story its greatest sense of poignancy, with Pickup giving a particularly powerful performance as her composure begins to unravel. There are also some beautiful musical moments from Emily Panes, who plays several instruments and sings with a rich, expressive voice that fills the saloon. Her music becomes especially moving towards the end, as the reality of Laura and Alec’s deteriorating relationship begins to sink in. The songs seem to hang in the air, capturing the melancholy that gradually envelops them and giving the play some of its more resonant moments.

The production’s unique setting does come with some drawbacks. At times, when the action moves to the other side of the bar, it can be difficult to see or fully follow what is happening, which is a little frustrating. But this is also part of the unpredictability of immersive theatre, where the audience’s experience depends on where they are positioned. Still Life is an inventive and refreshing way to bring Coward’s story to life, with Pickup giving a standout performance – bringing passion and emotional intensity to the role of Laura.

Chloe Vilarrubi
Photos: Courtesy of Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Still Life is at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 7^th until 12^th September 2026. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.