Jane Eyre – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Bringing to life Charlotte Brontë’s vivid, sprawling gothic tale of love, independence and moral struggle will always be a demanding task of any theatre company, requiring evocative visuals and lighting, pace and energy and commanding performances from the leading actors. Altrincham Garrick’s production achieves all of this in spades.

Carole Carr’s assured direction of Polly Teale’s adaptation, has created an engrossing account of Jane Eyre, as we go through the key moments of her life – beginning with the ill treatment she bears at the hands of her aunt and cousins, and the harsh reality of school life at a time when life expectancy can be cruelly short, through to her time at Thornfield as governess to the ward of the enigmatic Mr Rochester and the aftermath of discovering the devastating secret is held within the hall’s attics.

The minimalist yet stylish stage set, and lighting design allows the audience to experience both the intimacy of Jane’s psychological journey and an openness of the space that can immerse us in her world or isolate her from others.

Melanie Beswick is outstanding as Jane, expertly portraying her strong-willed nature and integrity. She delivers a rollercoaster of emotions as Jane considers her position and desires towards Rochester during her time at Thornfield. It is a compelling performance.

She is largely well matched by Loui Quelcutti as the brooding and brusque Rochester, albeit he looks about 10years too young for the role. Occasionally the chemistry between the pair isn’t entirely convincing but nevertheless Rochester’s sardonic and abrupt nature is solidly delivered with some lovely moments of vulnerability as he opens up to Jane.

Saira Mian is captivating in her largely silent performance as Bertha, ever present and looming over the household, with a lovely physicality. And Ethan Nevitt should be commended for the handling of Rochester’s ward, Adele, managing the French dialogue with ease and bringing the childlike quality needed to create a charming characterisation.

Jamie King, Beverly Stuart-Cole and Parissa Zamanpour give strong supporting performances amongst an excellent multi-role ensemble, particularly the latter as the pretty yet shallow Blanche Ingram or Jane’s tragic schoolmate Helen Burns.

There are occasional moments that jar. The opening swirl of lights feels more akin to a cabaret show and whilst the play has moments of much needed levity, there are still times where drama seems to prompt unexpected giggles from the audience.

Whilst King gives his all to a portrayal of Rochester’s faithful dog, Pilot, one questions – given the clear skill of the cast and the stylings of the overall show – if it wouldn’t have been more effective to use puppetry for this rather than the more detracting leaping around. And some suffer from a case of over-enunciation and expression that, just now and again, risks coming close to scenery chewing.

The blocking of action is excellent though, creating a slick, dance-like flow to the narrative (especially as there are no distinct transitions between scenes). The pacing is also good, although some key moments seem to race past before the actors and audience can really absorb their significance or emotional power, particular when Jane and Rochester express their true feelings towards each other.

Overall, this is a commendable re-telling of Brontë’s classic, capturing its essence, yet injecting the fresh energy of Teale’s adaptation, in a visually captivating experience that will linger with audiences long after the curtain call.

For more information on the Altrincham Garrick, visit https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/

Reviewer: Lou Steggals

Reviewed: 8th October 2024

North West End UK Rating: