Jane Eyre in Huntingdon

A new amateur production of Jane Eyre opens today in Huntingdon, UK

Huntingdon Drama Club
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, adapted by Willis Hall
JANE EYRE

Directed by Michael Black
16-17 November Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon.
15 - Civic Night more information here.

The first performance, on Thursday, 15 November, is a fundraiser for the Mayor of Huntingdon’s charities: our costs will be covered, and all the profit will go to the charities, which are mainly concerned with disadvantaged children. Tickets from Jenni Jones.
We’re selling tickets for the Friday and Saturday performances – book online, or contact Ann. For all three nights tickets cost £8 (£6 concessions and for parties of four or more).

STORY

The play is a dramatisation by Willis Hall (who wrote Billy Liar) of Charlotte Brontë’s novel of love and passion. It follows Jane’s life until the age of 18, including her miserable childhood; her work as a governess at Thornfield Hall; falling in love with her employer, Mr Rochester; the revelation – when Jane and Mr Rochester are at the altar – that he is already married and that his wife is insane; her hasty departure from Thornfield Hall; and her eventual reunion with Mr Rochester, who has been blinded in a fire which his wife has caused.

SETTING

The play is written in a non-naturalistic style, with numerous short scenes using an almost bare stage, and only a chair, blackboard or other prop to suggest the location. According to Willis Hall, ‘What is important to the early-nineteenth century feel of any production, is the close, claustrophobic sense produced by small acting areas contained in pools of candelight.’

Some rehearsal photos here.

Categories: Jane Eyre, Theatre