ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

Pickup certainly rose to this. At times the music or sound effect playing cut very suddenly and a new tune/ effect came on straight away which felt jarring (a particular example of this was the music playing through Jane's grief at the death of Helen, which was suddenly cut and a new morning sound effect was played, interrupting the processing of both Jane's and the audience's grief – although maybe this was meant to symbolise that Jane had not been allowed to grieve?). However, I thought that overall, the sound really complemented the production. Clive's set really took advantage of the space and as I said above, I particularly liked the Red Room/ attic and the use of the curtain that was used to sometimes close off this part of the set. Simon Bell, Martin Cottam and team clearly did a very effective job of creating Clive's vision. The videography by Matthew Ainsworth was also very effective at extending the set into the outside world, reminding us of the remoteness of Thornfield. Jonathan Mallinson and his props team had done a great job of finding periodesque pieces that fully enhanced the set and actors' performances. The horse’s head and Pilot, the dog were particularly creative (I don't know if they were borrowed or made by the props team but if they were made – wow!! That is extremely impressive!). I also especially liked the attention to detail of Graham Haworth (stage manager) and Jonathan coming onstage in waistcoats looking like part of the cast, it made the set changes and prop additions feel like part of the production rather than an interlude. Stage management was a very slick operation. In conclusion, while it was very long which at times made it hard to stay fully focused, this production was also intriguing, thought-provoking, innovative, eerie, at times discomforting and often beautiful. It clearly required a huge amount of commitment and passion from all involved and this resulted in a true performance piece to be proud of. Thank you everyone for another very memorable night of theatre on a very apt day of the year – I look forward to my next visit.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=