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18 July 2023

“Jane Eyre, raised in poverty and neglect, but sharp-witted and thirsty for knowledge, fights to make a better life for herself. Love is unexpected.”

Theatre experiences (and reviews!) are always subjective to a degree; whether a production succeeds or fails can be as much down to audience taste as it is the performances and production elements themselves. As Jane Eyre is one of my favourite novels and I have seen many renditions of it, both on stage and screen – with a few that have, to be honest, made me despair – I was somewhat apprehensive to discover that Maskers Theatre Company’s current Open-Air Production had been specifically adapted by Director Meri Mackney.

I need not have had any misgivings, as Mackney and her team have created an enjoyable faithful and condensed version of Charlotte Brontë’s classic romantic and heroic tale; moreover, they have flown in the face of the old adage “Never work with animals and children” to charming effect! The young actors from Light Up Drama Company are a welcome addition to the cast, with beautiful Buf arguably stealing every scene she’s in as Mr Rochester’s dog, Pilot.

The eponymous heroine, Jane Eyre, is played by three talented actors. Harriet Clarke gives a spirited and confident performance as young orphan Jane: feisty resilience against the cruelty and neglect of her aunt, Mrs Reed; bravely standing up to the taunts and bullying of her cousins; and strength of character as she withstands the hardships of life at Lowood School. Rachel di Nucci is composed yet passionate as the adult Jane, reflecting how the character developed at Lowood into a young woman who wants to expand both her intellect and wings, becoming first a teacher at the school, then governess at Thornfield Hall. True to Brontë’s novel, Abby Brine (Narrator Jane) directly addresses the audience in the first person, providing considered insights into Jane’s life with serenity and compassion; make no mistake, being an engaging narrator is no mean feat, but Brine is just that – an enchanting storyteller.

Adam Taussik brings a mixture of scathing mistrust, moodiness, sarcasm and fiery desire as Rochester, mysterious master of Thornfield Hall and guardian of his young ward, Adèle Varens (a delightful Evelyn Fayle), the excitable illegitimate daughter of a French dancer. Maddy Cope is clearly relishing her role as the violently insane Bertha Mason with her physicality and maniacal laugh; while she could be even more aggressive, the element of restraint actually adds to the underlying threat which Bertha poses to both Mr Rochester and Jane.

In an ensemble production such as this where many of the actors are playing more than one role, it’s difficult to succinctly comment on each individual performance; however, there is strong support throughout the cast, particularly from Jo Iacovou as quick-tempered yet caring Bessie, Rob Iliffe (making his Maskers’ debut in the dual roles of harsh Mr Brocklehurst and troublesome Richard Mason), and Anna Hussey (as contemptuous Blanche Ingram, Jane’s adult cousin Georgina Reed, and kindly Diana Rivers).

With exquisite period costumes (depicting both rich and poor), a well-conceived set that lends itself easily to multiple locations and dates, soothing classical music, excellent special effects and a stunning location, this is an aesthetically pleasing play. Although Act 1 is “quite long for it to work dramatically”, the narrative flows readily at a smooth and genteel pace, almost mesmerising the audience, and the strength of the performances ensure a most enjoyable evening.

- Anne Waggott

In Common

18 July 2023

There is an old entertainment adage that says you should never work with children or animals. Well the Maskers Theatre company did both and it was a triumph!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is their 41st outdoor summer production and maintains their deserved reputation for dramatic excellence. It is the fourth one in the superb grounds of Townhill Park House having previously used locations such as Mottisfont and Hamptworth. If you arrive early you can look around the gardens that were designed by Gertrude Jekyll in the early 1900s and have been restored in recent years. You are also encouraged to bring your own picnic to make it the perfect relaxed summer’s evening.

Originally published in 1847 the novel is a commentary on the prevalent social attitudes of the time as it explores themes such as child cruelty, poverty, disease, the class system and the role of women. It is a classic story that has stood the test of time and is an inspired choice.

Essentially Jane Eyre is Charlotte Bronte’s semi-autobiographical love story of two people who have had many difficulties to overcome in life yet managed to find each other.

The cast were all excellent and there were no noticeable opening night nerves. 

Harriet Clarke was a standout as the young Jane. Abby Brine superbly held the whole show together as the narrator. Rachel di Nucci was highly convincing as the older Jane. Adam Taussik conveyed the complex moods of Edward Rochester with real authority.

Watch out for some brilliant special effects in the second half.

Special mention to experienced director Meri Mackney who could not find an adaption of the classic book that would work in the open air so she wrote her own. And not to forget Buf who looked like she really enjoyed her first appearance on stage as Mr. Rochester’s dog!

Townhill Park House has been home to the Gregg School since 1994 and is under the flight path of Southampton International Airport. The cast superbly handled a number of noisy interruptions from low flying aircraft. 

As with any outdoor event it can get chilly after sunset so come prepared. The Maskers are an amateur company but you would think you are watching a fully professional one such are the high production values.  Make sure you catch this play.

- Martin Brisland