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Review: Jane Eyre and opening success

From the archive, first published Wednesday 6th Nov 2002.

Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, Theatre Royal, Winchester

The opening night of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre at the Theatre Royal Winchester was a sparkling success.

Jane's harrowing childhood was vividly portrayed by Clare Francis as she suffered at the hands of her unloving aunt Mrs Reed played by Judith Paris.

Several actors played two or more parts, each with a theme.

Unlucky Jane's childhood friend, killed by the fever that sweeps Lowood school, later plays the vivacious French girl Adele who becomes like a daughter.

But the play took proper pace with the introduction of Rochester, brilliantly acted by Brian Deacon.

The chemistry touchingly developed between Jane and Rochester.

For such a serious commentary on Victorian life, a surprising, but not inappropriate degree of humour found itself executed.

Jane's flirtatious side was slowly drawn out as she mocked Rochester's lack of looks yet with the touching affection of a devoted lover.

The inventively versatile cast made the Good Theatre Trust's three-hour production well worth seeing.

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