Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie
Jane Eyre is a household name, a literature selection in schools and a classic; it made me wonder how they would put this on stage and do it justice. Michael Vale’s stark design uses a background of white curtains, a wooden platform with catwalks and ladders, suggesting houses and institutions by floating window frames, pictures and dresses. The ingenious lighting, music and song brought shivers, fright as the storms broke and strong emotions as the story unfolded. I won’t forget the red room, where the young Jane was locked in as the stage is a flood of scarlet light, it invoked the horror she must have felt. To the burning down of Rochester’s house, the use of real flames and ash falling, an unforgettable sight.
As Sally Cookson, Director points out this is not just a love story, it is a life story that has many different facets; it is about a young girl who from a very early age understands that she needs to be fed, not just physically but emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. It showed a powerless girl, who was abused and pushed aside grow into an independent, free thinking adult who needed to be true to herself.
Some of the highlights for me was the clever way that they used multiple actors surrounding Jane as they spoke out her thoughts as she wrestled with what to do. I really fell in love with Rochester’s faithful dog, Pilot, who was played by Paul Mundell; gave a fun and humorous performance. Another part, where Jane was travelling by coach, depicted by a group running on the spot and the calling out of different stops; but then they needed to stop for that all important toilet break! They all moved to a part of the stage, then the woman squatted and men stood – this was clever but really funny as normally life’s needs are forgotten!
This was one of the best shows I have ever seen!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £14.40 to £35.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Jane Eyre is at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 5-10 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow or call the box office on 0844 871 7647.
Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA | 0844 871 7647
