National Theatre at Home: Jane Eyre

“I’ll be married in this lilac gingham: you may make a dressing-gown for yourself out of the pearl-grey silk, and an infinite series of waistcoats out of the black satin.” Says Jane to Mr Rochester when he talks of ordering Chinese silks from London for a beautiful wedding dress. Mr Rochester pauses and smiles; a few audience members laugh and so we begin.

Jane Eyre recorded live from the National Theatre via YouTube directed by Sally Cookson is sublime! This is the first time I've seen a theatrical production online on screen, rather than at the theatre itself. I felt concerned that my suspension of disbelief through screen based media would be a little lost without the shared audience experience and emotional impact of a live performance; the feelings of anticipation, dread, joy, humor and despair. Would the distractions at home be problematic? I’d first thought. To get the most out of such productions on screen it greatly helps to have a really good speaker system at home to let the quality of this production start to work its magic. And as in the theatre or cinema ensure your mobile phone is switched off. There are so many elements worthy to mention... my breakdown of these are as follows.

From the magnificent Melanie Marshall in the scarlet dress that advanced the action of the story through song. I especially enjoyed her rendition of Noel Coward’s Mad About the Boy. Also to mention are musical scene transitions that overlaid key dialogue to further set the tone and pace and onstage during the production live musicians interwoven between these. I knew I’d love the story of Jane Eyre... the staging of sound is as masterly in construction to say the least.

The lighting of this production is another wonder and is a vivid contrast to the stage’s simplicity in design. At times it is so subtle that the scenes almost felt natural and the opposite would occur to transform the audience in either time or space; with the effect of twilight and beyond with over hanging spotlights looking like stars. Ceiling height hanging curtains formed both sides and backdrop, enabling the stage to be contained. As you can see from the pictures the changing colour transformations throughout the production from rich reds to blues to neutrals; hues and saturation greatly impacted the performance of both the scene and characters within, with an additional layer of lighting strategically placed behind; following the flow of the dialogue, characters still held their presence when lit in silhouette, a nod to the Victorian era. Such intelligent use of light and colour enveloping the stage and story! On stage levels of environs were achieved through a series of ladders and platforms mainly one upper and one lower interconnected, which were quiet daringly crossed at times by the actors. Nothing was lacking or added to the set other than a Chesterfield armchair for the great Master Rochester of course.

As often in theatre the limited cast play multiple roles throughout the production. I like that in costume even men were dressed as orphan girls. My only criticism is that I would have liked children playing these earlier scenes. Though I understand the practicality of late nights, repeat performances and traveling to name a few obstacles. Mr Rochester especially has a wonderful full bodied voice. His accent is spot on! Would I be wrong in saying that Felix Hayes’ Rochester is better than Fassbender’s... perhaps equally commendable, indeed this play likened emotionally to the 2011 film version. Jane’s vulnerability comes out in long monologues, which are very eloquently and passionately performed by Madeleine Worrall. During camera closeups which would not occur had I been seated live... she is utterly captivating. Her actions and facial expressions are indeed as alive as the drama itself. Her limited wardrobe in contrast to film productions neither limits her identity nor personal character’s growth.

The stage directions and dialogues are just as in Charlotte Brontë’s book. The passion and fire is palatable between Jane and Rochester. They were supported extremely well with other cast members as I have mentioned playing more than one role, though I have not done justice to. The lighting, the music and the story are superbly reimagined. My lasting thought is that I can not imagine what Jane Eyre was like seeing live in the theatre... this screen based performance is undoubtedly a different experience... though still worthy I am sure.

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