The SSTC Germany tour truly deserves commendation for this
year’s performance; a theatrical adaptation of the novel Jane Eyre by
Charlotte Brontë. With a magnificent cast and an intricate set that
moved between scenes, it really was a must-see.
Jane Eyre
A moody, absorbing adaptation exploring
Charlotte Brontë’s use of psychological doubles.
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For those who don’t know the story, an orphaned girl, Jane Eyre, is
forced to live with a family that openly dislikes her and eventually
sends her away to a boarding school. She excels in her studies, grows
in confidence and strength, and eventually becomes a governess.
The novel is a coming-of-age story which critiques the marriage
conventions of Brontë’s era, and showcases a conflict between desire
and morality.
With Jane being played by five actresses (Shona Oliver, Rhiannon
Durant, Ella-Rose Nevill, Martha Tipper and Elise van den Hoek),
depth was added to the plot, highlighting Jane’s character
development into a strong, independent woman over the course
of the story. The presence of the other Janes and Bertha Mason on
stage simultaneously added fascinating layers to the play.
The passion that grows between the two characters was expertly
portrayed by the actors, providing a brilliant contrast to the lack of
love and positive emotions that Jane received in her childhood.
All in all, Jane Eyre was brought vividly to life by the actors who
worked on it for a year to deliver this exceptional production. In
addition to the six outstanding leads, special mention goes to James
Armitage who played the terrible Mr Brocklehurst yet still managed
As a governess at Thornfield Hall, Jane tutors and looks after Mr
Rochester’s French ward, Adele Varens, played by Juliette Imbert, who to incite laughter from the audience, and Daisy Hargreaves (Bertha
Mason), whose sporadic but eerie appearances throughout the play
perfectly encapsulated the bubbly and energetic energy that Adele
brings to the narrative. While at Thornfield, Jane falls in love with the created a mood of uncertainty and fear. The entire cast should be
infatuated Mr Rochester (Alex Parton), who deceives her and causes proud of their efforts.
her to run away, although she eventually returns to marry him.
Mojola Olarinmoye, Lower Sixth
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