Jane Eyre Review
Instead of detailed sets and backdrops, set designer Michael Vale worked along side director Sally Cookson created a light wooden climbing frame that dominated the stage against the backdrop of an elegant, sheer white curtain.
Bringing to life the staging of 'Jane Eyre' were the wickedly talented actors of the Bristol Old Vic Company with realistic, captivating and very moving performances. It was great for me to watch and to see that nobody dominated the stage and each actors characterisation was phenomenal.
Madeleine Worrall's performance as Jane was wonderfully played, very moving and realistic to watch. Laura Elphinstone had the incredible ability to move from playing a Yorkshire kitchen maid to a ten-year old French child completely effortlessly.
A big part of the play that sent shivers down my spine was the emotional singing from Melanie Marshall, who played the mad women up stairs. She managed to project the darkness and the mysterious nature of the play. Her powerful performance and heart wrenching songs made me feel immense sympathy for the soon to be late Mrs Rochester.
It was a small cast and each character had to multirole, there must have been careful choreography. Each actor had to remember exactly who they are playing at each moment in the play. It was unlike anything I had seen before and it has provided future ideas for my own drama pieces.
I'm glad you found this inspiring. I do love the magic of theatre and the ability to portray multiple characters!