Jane Eyre

presented by Lancaster Footlights Club
Grand Theatre, Lancaster
Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 April 2005

Although I went happily to view Jane Eyre as I was supporting one of my friends, I was slightly apprehensive of a rendering of one of my favourite books. I had been disappointed by other versions I had seen, and I thought
perhaps no performance of the classic could ever compete with my love of the novel.

This belief was, however, to be proved wrong. At first glance, I was delighted with the refreshing and yet traditional approach to the set of Thornfield, that played its role as Gateshead and Lowood with ease.
As the play progressed, I was pleased with the genuine faithfulness to Charlotte Bronte's tale. I am a person who banished an adaptation of Wuthering Heights from my sight as it altered the original tale, and to see a performance of Jane Eyre where it was clear that the cast knew and
liked the novel as much as the audience accentuated the atmosphere and thrilled the eye.

If I were to criticise anything it would be that some lines were said a little inaudibly, but this could be accounted to the first night of the performance. I liked Kyle Oram's presentation of Mr Rochester a lot, and his role brought comedy to the play. I was impressed by several of the smaller parts; the character of Helen (Prudence Edwards) was played admirably and mirrored how I pictured the character in the novel. Her accent in particular brought the ambience of the Yorkshire setting into the production.

However, unusually for me, it was the leading role of Jane Eyre who stole the play in my view. Like Mr Rochester, the character of Jane Eyre is extremely special to me (as to many) as one of the favourite characters in literature. Emma Nicholds played the role with the period athenticity, strength and depth that the character demands and she revived the fears, wit and love of a young woman created nearly two hundred years ago.

Overall I was greatly entertained by the play, and not only by the production itself, but by the audience's reaction around me who were thoroughly ensconced in the exceptional tale that was portrayed in an exceptional way. Well done to everyone involved!

Sarah Robin
9/6/05

Image: Emma Nicholds & Kyle Oram as
Jane Eyre & Mr Rochester.
Photo by George Coupe