As we took our seats last night at the Theatre Royal, I turned to my companion and said looking at the stage, ‘this is going to be enjoyable’. One stage was a minimalist set, scaffolding, ladders, ramps, and platforms, to the right of centre in amongst the set, a band was set up.
Jane Eyre last night wasn’t just a masterpiece of Charlotte Bronte but of the whole production company especially, Sally Cookson the director.
The Jane Eyre story has been told many times while this play focuses on the essence of the book, the coming of age of the down trodden Jane Eyre , trapped in her circumstances, it uses contemporary improvisation, movement and music to add a relevant dynamic to this classic.
The book was originally titled Jane Eyre : an autobiography, and this came across, the anguish and the emotion of a real person. Themes being explored on stage, the quest for freedom, the reality that individuals require and desire more than their physical requirements being met, Jane Eyre has this innate understanding of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to develop into a free thinking, free spirited individual.
The ‘soundtrack ’was the most enjoyable aspect of this adaptation, from Melanie Marshall’s soulful solos to charming folksy tunes, a smattering of bluegrass (Benji and Will Bower, and Phil King) all adding either to the mood, or to change the scene or pace. The lighting too must be mentioned it was inventive and effective, yes, very cleverly done by Aideen Malone.
The actors besides Jane (Madeline Worrall) had a multiple of roles and tasks to undertake, we had a very surreal ‘Little Britain’ moment were men with beards acted as school girls, we had actors around Jane being her thoughts, also as an extra treat we had Craig Edwards comically playing Pilot, Mr. Rochester’s beloved dog.
A few words must be said about Felix Hayes as a brilliant Rochester, he dominated the stage and rightly so, his voice was like liquid at times booming on occasion even if his words were cutting and blunt, we even had the ‘F’ word, he was a believable brooding Rochester.
Well over half the audience gave a standing rapturous ovation the others would have too for sure, but for numb bums and pins and needles, it is 3 plus hours, so in terms of value brilliant.
Jane Eyre runs until Saturday 13th at the Theatre Royal Nottingham, go see and be delighted by this clever production.
Tickets available from: http://www.trch.co.uk/
Review by Ann Taylor
