Jane Eyre Uncovered and Reviewed

Some weeks ago we posted about the performances of Jane Eyre Uncovered at the Buxton Opera House. We knew very little about the production and we asked for some help. *The Reviewer* has answered our petition in a comment on that post that we reproduce here because the information that provides is very complete and interesting:

Jane Eyre Uncovered! Yes this show was supported by the Buxton opera House at the Pauper's Pit, Derbyshire in May 2006. It also ranked highly and received big audience interest at the New Writers Festival, South Hill Park Theatre, Berkshire in April 2004.

VERY funny - more intellectual than expected, beautiful language with much of a 'Wildean' edge.

A 19th century aristocratic world was nicely woven and to see the happenings at Thornfield, from the perspective of Rochester's guests as opposed to Jane Eyre's, is an interesting and entertaining idea. Have to say, hadn't considered how shocking some of these events must have appeared to the guests: e.g. the constant residency of a governess in the drawing room, a host who dresses in women's clothing (Rochester as gypsy), screams in the middle of the night and the host threatening to beat his female guests if they ask him any questions about said screaming! - would of course, even today be utterly unacceptable...

Some great performances from: A handsome pair of Leads - Tamasin MacCarthy Morrow, who gave us a vigorous, humorous, clever fashionista type 'Blanche Ingram'; and Lee Harris who presented Blanche's brother - Lord (Tedo)Ingram - as an intelligent and grounded 'dandyesque wag'. Some of the supporting cast: Eric Coudril - gave fabulous switches between his comic, self obsessed Rochester and his earthy, sensitve Col. Dent; and Tigga R. Goulding was an hilarious, twisted, determined 'Jane Eyre'.

This play is apparently still being developed and would probably work better if Act 2 became Act 1 and Act 1 was Act 2. This would avoid the slightly confusing beginning in the present then going back to the past and then to the present again.

All in all though, a wonderfully entertaining and satisfying production. The predominant writer, Isabella Kilty, is clearly destined for success especially with the support of such co-writers as Tamasin MacCarthy Morrow and Richard Ross.

Thanks Mr. /Ms. Reviewer :)

Categories: Theatre, Jane_Eyre, Sequels