We Are Three Sisters

Stage Two Downham performed to a full house for their latest production ‘We Are Three Sisters,’ a dramatic play written by Blake Morrison. Based on the lives of the Brontë sisters and set within the desolate, wind ravaged moorlands of Haworth, the play centres around Charlotte, Emily, and Anne and their hopes and dreams. Writing under pseudonyms, in the late hours after their father had gone to bed, the sisters went on to produce some of the most enduring literature to date.

Director Fran Osborne created a slick production. Her cast were strong players, dialogue was conversational, flowing naturally. The pace was smooth with no obvious flaws. The set looked impressive; the house curtains opened to reveal the stage, the parlour room of a parsonage. The curtain less windows giving way to a graveyard in the immediate background, rolling moorlands beyond, rising to a bleak skyline. A large fireplace sat between the windows, above which, hung the famous painting of the sisters, subtly altered to display the faces of the actors on the stage. Period furniture adorned the room, with a table and chairs set forward stage right, around which the sisters circled as they conversed. It is always a pleasure to see a set that has no wobble as the actors move, set builders, Brian Howarth, and Mick Gidlow created a solid surround, whilst set decoration by Roger Astin and props by Kate Herron and team brought the parlour to life. Lights and sound, provided by Paddy Keane and John Bradshaw created atmosphere, the howling wind during the storm scene clearly heard from within the auditorium, the light from the windows reflecting the grey clouds covered moorlands. Lamplight within the parlour rose and dimmed in time with the actors’ movements, with a clear definition between daytime and evening light. All departments ran in synchronicity under the watchful eve of Stage Management Mel Crook and Darren Moss.

The story begins as the three sisters have just gained the attention of London publishers, and Charlotte is experiencing the first flushes of success with her novel, Jane Eyre. Andrea Cawley played the role of Charlotte Brontë, the oldest of the sisters. Charlotte was the mother figure to her younger siblings, the voice of reason dealing with their ailing father, Patrick, and downward spiralling brother, Bramwell. Andrea was strong in this role. Her mannerisms and facial expressions were great, her dialogue and diction clear. She stood up for herself when needed, and she reacted to the foolhardiness of those around her with an enigmatic half smile. Andrea gave a wonderful performance. Martha Bowers played Emily Brontë, reticent to admit her female identity to the literary world, happiest when alone wandering the moorlands. Martha played her role with a quiet intensity and knowing wit, a notable performance from Martha. Jennifer Whiteside played the youngest sibling, Anne Brontë. Jennifer was charmingly innocent as Anne; her subtle flirtations with the curate were coy, her interactions with the Doctor compassionate as she tried repeatedly to let him down gently. Expressing her hopes and dreams with excitement and wonder. An impressive performance from Jennifer. I did like the subtle coughs given by both Martha and Jennifer as their character’s ill-fated ailments grew with passing time.

The Brontë sisters faced judgement and from the men frequenting their lives. Societal norms forbidding women from many occupations was the cause of debate throughout the play, meanwhile, Bramwell, the only male sibling was free to act as he pleased. Alfie Bentley was great as the lovesick Bramwell. This was Alfie’s first appearance on stage, and he displayed many emotions throughout the production. His character’s decline into alcoholism as his affair with the married Mrs Robinson ended, was gradual, his violent streak increasingly becoming more intense. A great character portrayal from Alfie. Steve Cooke played the role of Patrick Brontë. Patrick was an Irish Anglican minister, whose occupation often kept him out of the house. Patrick was getting older and starting to ail, a source of concern for his daughters. Steve had clear diction, with a strong stage presence, his Irish accent was notable. I thought Jacqui Shepherd as Tabby was wonderfully funny. Having served the Brontë family for many years and she spoke her mind without hesitation. Her line, ‘E’s a ruff un, e’s from Bradford’ made the audience laugh aloud. With her deliciously quick witted on-liners and fabulous facial expressions, Jacqui played her role to its fullest. A truly comical performance all round. Julie Laing played the role of Lydia Robinson, Bramwell’s married lover. I though Julie was fantastic in this role, her obvious distain of Tabby was clear from the moment they met. Having decided to stay at the Brontë home uninvited, Lydia Robinson was opinionated, rich and unaware of her rude demeanour. I loved the scene where Lydia came downstairs half dressed, after her tumble with Bramwell. She tried a dignified retreat but failed miserably. I loved the contrast in clothes between Lydia and the sisters. The Brontë sisters plain in comparison to the two main outfits, one green, the other scarlet red, worn by Lydia. Julie is a great character actor, she was funny, passionate, and overbearing, a great portrayal. The role of Doctor was played by Richard Hubbard. The doctor was in desperately in love with Anne, but unfortunately Anne did not feel the same way. Cutting quite a tragic figure, the Doctor pined for his unrequited love. Richard was wonderful as the kind, caring Doctor, who would rather drink himself into oblivion than deal with his patients. Richard gave his characterisation emotion, he was light and dark, unashamedly admitting his feeling for Anne, all the while knowing it was a lost cause. I thought Richard’s strong Yorkshire accent was excellent. With Chris Bowers giving a respectable performance as the Curate, a visitor to the parish, who flirted with both Emily and Anne. Always fancying himself in love, but unwilling to commit, Chris was humorous and confident throughout. The role of the Teacher was performed by Alan Herron. The pontificating, head of his own school, who often gifted his friends with books he had printed, listing all his former pupils. Alan was excellent, breaking into Latin at any opportunity, he was self congratulatory, pompous, and bombastic. With a wonderfully affected accent, that gained many an eye role from his fellow players, Alan was super.

‘We Are Three Sisters,’ was a thoughtful, intelligent piece of theatre. It combined known facts about the Brontë family with imagined conversations. The whole society pulled together to produce a throughly enjoyable show. The audience were discussing its merits as they exited Downham Village Hall. I would like to thank all at Stage Two Downham for inviting me, and a special thank you to Kim Croydon for looking after me and my plus one for the evening. I look forward to many more shows from them in the future.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.