After Mrs Rochester reviewed

Barrie Theobald • Published 9 Jul 2009 10:30 0 Comments

Polly Teale"s intriguing play introduced us to Jean Rhys, locked in her attic while struggling to write Wide Sargasso Sea, destined to become her most successful novel.

There she compares her own remarkable life since her birth in Dominica to that of the first Mrs Rochester, the unhappy heiress in Charlotte Bronte"s Jane Eyre, at times confusing the two lives in her bewildered mental state. Sally Goodsell gave a moving performance as the aged author, refusing to open the door to her daughter Charlotte Halstead (who also doubled as Jane Eyre) until she had finished composing.

Additionally, the storyline was told through the eyes of her younger self, vivaciously portrayed by Donna Wooffit and, rolling around the stage, the imaginary deranged Mrs Rochester (Jo Boseley), whose compelling characterisation gradually dominated the stage.

Krysia Blake, Laurence Cann and John Goodman portrayed an assortment of other characters, with special mention merited for the sparkling performance of Kazia Grant in her three mini roles.

The Woodley Theatre resource unit gave the performers a most worthy set on which to present this play, tightly directed by Mary Keenan to give us a memorable theatrical experience.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 09 Jul 09

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