We Are Three Sisters

Black Company of Yew Tree Youth Theatre (YTYT) gave a most beautiful and joyous presentation of the play ‘We Are Three Sisters’ by Blake Morrison.   Morrison is a poet, playwright and novelist who grew up near Haworth in Yorkshire – the village which was once the home of the now famous Bronte sisters.  Using Chekhov’s play ‘Three Sisters’ as his inspiration Morrison has re-told their lives dispersing all the darkness and misery which usually surrounds their story.  Instead he demonstrates the high resilience of the three central characters.  The well written, entertaining and enlightening look at the lives of the women as they were just having their books published, at the start of their notoriety and before their early deaths was the perfect choice of play for the talented actors of Yew Tree Youth Theatre.  As well as documenting their trials and tribulations, living in what was very much a man’s world, Morrison has drawn on his own research – including consideration of the playful air in Charlotte’s letters – to give the play a lightness and very believable feel. 

All of the characters were well written, interesting and afforded the talented performers a platform for their many skills and abilities honed through years of hard work with YTYT.  Jacob Dore as Patrick Bronte, father to the sisters and Parson of Howarth, gave a confident performance of this aged and somewhat troubled father, trying to do the best for his Parish, the wider community and his children.  There is an understandable under current of anxiety to the character and Dore captured this beautifully.  No doubt much of this anxiety is brought about by the antics of the only son of the family, Branwell, played by olli watkins.  This is a sympathetic portrayal of the very erstwhile brother and watkins perfectly brought this to the fore.   His lovestruck performance and conviction that his life would come good once Mrs Robinson was ‘available’ to him was wonderfully believable and the audience could have empathy knowing what was to come for poor Branwell. 

John Broadhead was a most agitating Doctor.  One could not have any sympathy for the rather silly old man with his follies and lack of work ethic – very well played.  Alfie Cowburn, on his debut with YTYT was a wonderfully positive Curate dividing his attentions across Emily and Anne in an almost scattergun approach to at least capture one of them.   Bella Millar was frustrating as the local teacher, touting her booklet about the school with a know-it-all air that clearly aggravated the sisters.    Violet Gledhill’s portrayal of Lydia Robinson created another unlikeable character.  She was bossy, opiniated and full of attitude - a great contrast to the steadfast and loyal sisters.   Lyla Hodson had some wonderful facial expressions as Tabby the Housekeeper and her good use of timing was very apparent in the delivery of some of her lines.

Natasha Lunt was a judgemental and at times harsh Charlotte.  It was clear to see that she took on much of the responsibility and felt the pain of Branwells’ follies more keenly than the other sisters.  Lunt ensured we knew that she was now devoid of sympathy and instead worried for their financial futures.   Alice Lamb was a very understanding and caring Emily.  Lamb brought a real warmth to her performance.  Harriet Hornshaw was Anne, the youngest sister, but the one whom at times seemed to draw most from her experiences away from the home.  Wonderful articulation from Hornshaw and fabulous performances from all three young actors.

Every performer spoke with the wonderful clarity that has come to be expected from YTYT.  High level technical skill, stage presence and confidence could also be said of every actor on stage.   Sound was atmospheric and well managed by Sam Nutbrown.  The Town Community Centre was transformed into the parsonage with some very appropriate props and costumes. 

Congratulations to everyone involved in this production including those members for whom it will be their last performance with YTYT due to continuing their studies away from Wakefield.  I must also commend Dore and Broadhead for returning to perform with YTYT and enabling this wonderful script to be presented.   Director Sarah Osborne should be very proud of what was achieved on stage, not just with this production, but also on the work she has done over many years to support these talented young people to grow and develop allowing Black Company to present such excellent performances.

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