Jane Eyre

Adapting Jane Eyre for the stage and broadcasting the performance in cinemas worldwide makes for an unusual turn of events given the numerous screen adaptations of the novel. However, Sally Cookson’s theatrical interpretation focuses on the persona in ways that allow Jane (Madeline Worrall) to stand out and set herself apart from the imposing presence of Rochester (Felix Hayes) or any of the other larger than life characters created for this profoundly romantic story. In this stage version Jane is without doubt the star of the show. Her fierce independence, her strong feminist ideals and the battering she takes from her various and strange destinies are brought to the forefront in this visually astonishing production.

Worrall is superb as Jane and captures her innocence without compromising her wit and maturity beyond her years. The ensemble cast contributed to devising the performance, which was originally staged at the Bristol Old Vic, and many of the parts are shared among the performers. Each member of the company demonstrates incredible versatility and they are all able to fully inhabit the various characters they play. Laura Elphinstone is exceptional in her interpretation of Helen and Adele and her transformation into St John is breathtaking and exquisite. The prioritising of northern British accents powerfully elicits Jane’s world and the avant-garde set in no way detracts from the historical era. In fact, it creates a very aesthetically pleasing contrast with the period costumes, which are relieved of the need to compete with dense or baroque furnishings.

The staging also relies on a unique and extremely evocative combination of sound, lighting, movement and gesture, all of which is accompanied by a live musical performance. The contemporary set design also facilitates incredibly dynamic movement and the large, hollow and echoing spaces of Thornfield Hall are easily conjured up. The effect is extremely striking and ingenious strategies are used to create effects such as the billowing winds on the fields when Jane walks outdoors.

The tale is full of such vivacious and imposing characters, especially the cryptic and commanding, Rochester. Hayes makes Rochester a very handsome figure but does not neglect the tortured mannerisms and the intensely preoccupied gaze that give him his aura of charm and mystery. Overall, the play is extremely faithful to the text and very careful to preserve Brontë’s extraordinary writing, especially the moments that display Jane’s quiet determination and the sensitivity and humanity with which she asserts her morality. Bertha Mason is made a continual presence throughout the play with the haunting singing provided by Melanie Marshall. She is rendered incredibly spectral and yet undeniably present. This is a brilliant example of just one of the many ways in which music is used in an inventive and novel manner in this production. Fans of Brontë, and her protagonist Jane Eyre, will not want to miss this vibrant and fresh theatrical look at this legendary literary masterpiece.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Manuel Harlan.