Jane Eyre, NT Live ****1/2

The National Theatre Live 2020

Jane Eyre NT Live 2020
Reviewer: Kate Herbert. Melbourne Australia (April 4, 2020)
Stars: ****1/2
I wrote this review in Isolation to keep up my reviewing muscle while all our theatres are shut. Thank you NT Live for giving me a reason to write. Kate H (Melbourne, Australia)

Madeleine Worrall - Jane Eyre

Sally Cookson’s production of Jane Eyre has a desperate urgency made palpable by the hectic pace and rhythm of the episodic structure and the intense physicality of the performances.

Madelene Worrall perfectly cast as the Jane, who described herself as ‘poor, obscure, plain and little’, and her twisted grimace expresses Jane’s rebellious but tortured soul in every twitch.

This is an ensemble piece, with the versatile actors playing multiple roles, including Jane’s cold-hearted Aunt Reed and her cruel son, the religious and tyrannical headmaster of Lowood School, and Jane’s inner voices as she wrestles with her whirling thoughts.

Felix Hayes is an imposing presence as the impassioned, volatile Rochester and Craig Edwards, amongst his other roles, brings a smile as Rochester’s faithful, canine companion, Pilot.

Cookson’s direction is imaginative and compelling, using wooden structures, platform, ladders, ramps and stairs to represent all location in Jane’s journey from unloved orphan and abused schoolchild, to Thornfield Hall and the love of Edward Rochester.

Felix Hayes & Madeleine Worrall

There is energy on stage as the actors beat their paths around the space, so that Jane seems to be chased by demons as she rushes about, gripping her tiny hands and clutching at moments of happiness.

Music from the onstage band underscores the action, layering scenes with emotion and providing a persistent percussive rhythm. Songs by the ensemble and poignant solos by Melanie Marshall echo the tone of Jane’s story and intensify atmosphere.

At times, the percussive undercurrent intrudes on the action and the constant pounding running around the wooden platforms sometimes becomes repetitive and a little tiresome. Less running by actors on stage might knock 20 or 30 minutes off the three hours running time, which would be welcome.

This production of Jane Eyre, even on screen, is captivating and re-imagines Charlotte Bronte’s dark and passionate novel for the modern audience.

By Kate Herbert

Cast

·       Madeleine Worrall as Jane Eyre.

·       Craig Edwards as Mr Brocklehurst/Pilot/Mason.

·       Felix Hayes as Rochester.

·       Laura Elphinstone as Poole/Abbot.

·       Maggie Tagney as Mrs Reed/Mrs Fairfax.

·       Simone Saunders as Bessie/Blanche Ingram/Diana Rivers.

·       Melanie Marshall as Bertha Mason.