The production will then launch a 25-week national tour that will kick off Feb. 13, 2009, at Northampton's Royal Theatre. In a statement, producer David Pugh said, "I am delighted and amazed at the astounding success of the Kneehigh production of Brief Encounter. It was a daunting and some people said plain silly idea to adapt one of London's oldest cinemas back into a theatre, but it has proved to be a most inspired and exciting achievement. What started as a 12-week run has been extended and extended, which means the Kneehigh Theatre Company will have played for over 350 performances, and they are now due a well-earned rest before the UK tour opens."

Kneehigh's production is directed in the West End by the company's artistic director, Emma Rice, and features Tristan Sturrock as Alec, Naomi Frederick as Laura, Tamzin Griffin as Myrtle, Dorothy Atkinson as Beryl, Stuart McLoughlin as Stanley, Andy Williams as Fred/Albert and musicians Adam Pleeth and Alex Vann. It is produced in the West End by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, who were also represented this year by Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage in the West End, and Cineworld Group plc.

To book tickets contact the box office at 0871 230 1562 or visit www.seebriefencounter.com.