The heartbreak and anguish at the centre of the timeless romance Brief Encounter is dramatically portrayed in the opening scene as two people caught up in an impossible love face each other in the intimate round of the Octagon theatre.

Stood on the stairs between the audience, the two despite being hopelessly in love are as far as part as can be.

And the scene is set for Noel Coward's play, which become one of the greatest British films of all time, as it is reworked for the Octagon stage.

The Bolton News: Pete Ashmore and Anne-Marie Piazza in Brief Encounter (Picture: Tony Bartholomew)

The setting of the Octagon's round ensures the audience are drawn into the lives of the two characters, who although happily married, embark on a passionate, and not necessarily in the physical sense, love affair.

But this co-production with Octagon Theatre Bolton, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre by the Lake is not the film on stage although the drama, the emotion and the hopelessness remains at the heart of the play, which has reworked into a vibrant musical production.

There are brilliant moments of comedy to balance the intensity at the centre of this story.

The relationship is beautifully portrayed by Anne-Marie Piazza as Laura and Pete Ashmore as Alec- from the fantastical aspects of their love to the harsh realities of their affair.

The Bolton News: Robert Jackson in Brief Encounter at the Octagon (Picture: Tony Bartholomew)

And, as is so often the case there is no reason why the two become attracted to each other, is it to escape the humdrum of their own lives.

There is almost a dream like quality when the two central characters act out their love affair reflecting the fact it is just a fantasy.

Set against the backdrop of a train station, the play is performed by a cast of just five, with all, apart from the leads, taking on other parts - seamlessly.

Each shine as they act, sing and play instruments.

Love in all its guises really is at the heart of this play, and creates some comical moments to those awkward moments of nearly being caught.

And there is humour too as other characters observe the love affair unfolding, mainly created by the fantastic Natasha Lewis who takes on the role off Mrs Bargot.

The drama, the comedy and the live music as well as the musing make for a perfect night out to enjoy this classic which has been reworked to be enjoyed all over again.

The play runs until Saturday, November 5.

For tickets and information visit https://octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/brief-encounter/