Ninety years ago Noël Coward wrote Still Life as one of the ten short plays of Tonight at 8.30, and it went on to become Brief Encounter, which is the version almost everybody knows. Tam Williams’ production, first seen at the Mill at Sonning in 2022, has moved the one-act play into the Grand Saloon Bar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, seated its audience at tables with an afternoon tea, and let Milford Junction assemble itself around them. The critics have been won over almost without exception — Rachel Pickup’s Laura and Alasdair Craig’s Alec draw admiring notices, and Elizabeth Elvin’s Myrtle is the performance the reviews keep returning to. The reservations are all about the room rather than the playing: a Regency state room 86 feet long was never built for an intimate two-hander, and several critics lost lines to it. The run ends this Saturday.
The verdict: eight reviews in — one five-star notice, two at four, one at three and a half, two at three, and two outlets that publish no rating. Across the six that do score, the average is 3.8 out of 5. Every one of them praises Rachel Pickup’s Laura and Elizabeth Elvin’s Myrtle, and every one of them is charmed by the room. The complaint, where there is one, is the same complaint each time: sightlines and sound.
What are critics saying about STILL LIFE?
LondonTheatre1
Reviewer: John Groves
“To sum up, a very enjoyable and entertaining two hours, and, owing to the venue and the way it is used by Tam Williams, a surprisingly intimate piece of theatre that is totally involving. At times you really feel that you are eavesdropping on other people’s lives! Highly recommended!”
All That Dazzles
Reviewer: Daz Gale
“Noël Coward’s writing remains every bit as captivating today, and Still Life feels quintessentially Coward, with Tam Williams’ direction finding creative ways to bring the story to life in this most unconventional of spaces, using the same methods when this production began its life at the Mill at Sonning in 2022. Among the strong cast, Rachel Pickup is a highlight in a sweet performance as Laura, creating a convincing dynamic with Alasdair Craig’s Alec. Elizabeth Elvin is an absolute delight as Myrtle, perfectly keeping a sense of order amongst the chaos and proving a comic highlight, particularly when it comes to her delivery of “Cake or pastry”. Antony Jardine and Seren Sandham-Davies complete the cast taking on a multitude of roles as well as bringing some musicality to the show, playing instruments and singing for good measure.”
The Reviews Hub
Reviewer: Nilgün Yusuf
“Practically, the acoustics are sometimes swallowed up in the scale of the venue. The intensity and intimacy of close-up shots you get in film are lost in the grandeur of this 86-foot Regency state room. Depending on where you’re positioned, you might need to crane your neck to voyeuristically observe the affair. Nonetheless, this isn’t your average theatre experience, but something quite special: a chance to step into the majestic Theatre Royal Drury Lane Theatre and watch/experience the blueprint for Brief Encounter, one of the greatest films ever made.”
London Pub Theatres
“One is taken back to the great cinematic moments”
Reviewer: Paul Maidment
“Their relationship progresses and then - at a key point - so very slightly falls apart. There is an inevitability about what plays out and how it plays out but the journey is still very much worth it. The central performance from Pickup as Laura is a highlight - she is mannered and precise whilst exhibiting both joy and utter desolation when required. Craig’s Alec feels a little overly pushy at times and lacks the nuance to make us really feel for him and his situation - but the duo work well together. Their scenes are interspersed by some charming music and amusing moments from Jardine, Elizabeth Elvin as the cantankerous but hugely funny Myrtle and some standout vocals (plus trumpet and keyboard paying) from Seren Sandham-Davies.”
Fairy Powered Productions
Reviewer: Phil Brown
“Still Life, a one hour play by Nöel Coward, staged in the stunning splendour of the Grand Saloon of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is quite an experience – immersive certainly, but also indulgent, nostalgic, and memorable. And with only a limited run of a week, audiences should lose no time in booking a unique and richly entertaining experience as extras in Milford Junction station cafeteria at the heart of the action, along with a heavenly afternoon tea served prior to the performance.”
The Upcoming
Reviewer: Chloe Vilarrubi
“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.”
Theatre and Tonic
Reviewer: Philip
“This version of Still Life is undoubtedly charming and enjoyable, particularly when paired with such a delicious afternoon tea. The combination of food, theatre and the spectacular surroundings of the Grand Saloon Bar makes for a rather unique theatrical experience. I suspect that in a more suitable venue, where sightlines and sound could be better controlled, this production could work even more effectively than it already does.”
Theatremonkey
“Still Life” is an apt title. There is still life despite disappointment, dignity in work. Life still goes on.
Even more, this “Still Life” captures a moment in British history, a single snapshot in time.
Happening in three dimensions, unfolding in a time bubble for us at the Theatre Royal, this is no cheap themed dining show.
A multi-sensory, thrilling experience, nostalgic theatricality in its prime.
Production photograph by Andreas Lambis.
For more of what the critics have been saying, our recent roundups cover Krapp’s Last Tape at The Cockpit and Annie Wobbler (Revisited) at the Finborough Theatre.
Noël Coward’s Still Life runs in the Grand Saloon Bar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until Saturday 12 September 2026, with two performances a day.
