Jane Eyre

The Woolgatherers

Jane Eyre

17/10/24

From the very first moment, Willis Hall’s adaptation of the novel draws you in. The Woolgatherers production captivates the audience with its minimalistic monochrome set design and staging. The simple yet effective set allows the story and its characters to shine through, while the use of lighting and original music enhances the gothic atmosphere.

What stands out most is how the production captures the essence of Brontë's themes; social class, morality, and the struggle for female independence, while maintaining a fresh and modern energy. The three director’s Phil Murray, Amy Marshall and Mathew Johnston creative choices, including narration relating Jane’s inner journey and physical action on stage allowing the audience to feel immersed in Jane's world.

With fine performances, particularly both actresses portraying Jane. The younger orphaned Jane is beautifully portrayed by Freya Mc Cone, very intelligent portrayal from a very talented young actor. The adult Jane Amy Marks her nuanced portrayal captures Jane's quiet strength, intelligence, and resilience, making her journey from an orphaned child to a fiercely independent woman utterly believable. Peter Merrall as Rochester does the character justice, switching from the hopeless romantic to the secretive cad as the script demands. The two play well off of each other, the quick wit and banter coming to them easily and making for a dynamic relationship. Splendid performances.

This hard-working cast each take on multiple roles, the meek and terrified orphans of Lowood School to the haughty and hilarious Ingram family. Keith Hill excels as the daunting and cruel schoolteacher Mr Brocklehurst, Katie Meakin is wonderful as Mrs Fairfax, the housekeeper, great performance. Leila Goodchild gave a sympathetic kindly performance as Miss Temple, Bessie, Diana, Fiona Williams inspires both sympathy for Bertha, and respect for Blanche, Kev Roberts suitably snobbish Lord Ingram, hilarious Reverand Wood. Lee Crosbie as the repressed St John, cowardly Mason. Adam Stubbs was the perfect ambitious solicitor Briggs.  Well, done to Lydene Ashby on her stage debut, playing Adele, the daughter of Rochester’s mistress, one to watch for the future. Shaun Greatbanks, Master Ingram, Jace Clarke, John, Manservant, Stone wall builder. Becky Herbert, Julia Gallagher, Victoria Pownall, Ronnie Morris complete this cast as both narrators and other support characters.

The directors defiantly had their vision for this well-loved story, a combination of a talented cast and an exciting script. The Gothic style set lent itself to the candlelit subdued lighting, however it was too dark at times, it can be a fine line; a cast member actually needing assistance to get off the pitch-black stage. Loved the monochrome set, the two Jane’s both wearing the cream dresses worked well, very clever indeed. Good job Jane Gordon. Inclusion of narrators can often move the storyline along; however immaculate timing is essential. There was an issue with late entrances, which slowed the ‘pace’ of the play. In saying that I admire your ambition for this adaptation, it was a memorable experience.

Thank you, Woolgatherers, for a truly splendid evening of imaginative theatre. Huge congratulations to your two Jane’s, Freya and Amy they were amazing. Already looking forward to ‘Flare Path’.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

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