Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, Stafford Gatehouse MET - review
Jane Eyre should perhaps, although fictional, be held up as more of a role model for young women.
Her ‘I will not settle’ attitude that sees her survive a tumultuous childhood and seek her own path should be admired. In an age where women were for the most part expected to shut up and do as they were told she let her spirit guide her.
And that is what makes this, a one-woman play acted out by the powerhouse that is Rebecca Vaughan (there is absolutely no way we would remember all those lines), a very intimate yet enlightening tale.
It’s told as if Jane is talking to her diary. Or perhaps in conversation with pals as she often refers to the audience as ‘friends’. We hear her whole life story through her eyes.
Her dalliances with the other characters in the book are played out through a succession of voices.
All the males have the same tone; the females are given one of two – down to earth northern youngster or old crone.
Jane Eyre is one of the best-known books ever put to paper. Charlotte Bronte’s tale of an orphan overcoming various obstacles in childhood and growing into a no-nonsense, independent woman who just wants true love with Mr Rochester has been retold a thousand times.
But very few reincarnations can have been like this. Single-handedly, Rebecca portrays every show of emotion and draws you into Jane’s inner thoughts. Who she loves. Who she loathes.
The scarier moments in her life are commentated in real time which grows the kind of tension seen in an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
And testament to Rebecca is how she holds you. Almost 90 minutes is a long time to hold a group of people’s attention. But she does, and you are still with her at the conclusion of Jane’s story to see if she gets her happy ending.
All the twists and turns of the novel are included, and a few in-jokes while facing the audience pleased fans and brought chuckles.
It was a gripping adaptation of what is a well-trodden path. And we can’t wait to see what other adaptations Rebecca’s Dyad Productions have in store for us next.
Jane Eyre: An Autobiography is also playing at Stafford Theatre’s MET tonight (SUN) at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £16 and can be bought from www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
