THE genteel Englishness of the classic film Brief Encounter smoothly rolled in to the Lowry.

This production of the David Lean film features the clipped accents and repressed passion that fans are sure to love.

The story of Laura and Alec's illicit affair that ultimately is doomed to fail is expertly created on stage.

Karen Drury, best known as Susannah in TV's Brookside, plays Laura with a delicate touch, who keeps her desires tightly bottled in.

And London's Burning star, Richard Walsh, is the man whose helpful gesture starts the pair off on their journey.

The play features an imaginative and impressive set design with steam trains and train carriages speeding past.

This adaptation retains many of the comic touches but also the delicate wit and intelligence of Noel Coward's work.

And although critics pour scorn on the film its the script that ensures the play soars.

Brief Encounter, at the Lowry, Salford. Until Saturday. Tel: 0870 787 5780.