Brontë (2013)
by Polly Teale
Directed by Lisa Thomas
Performances: 16th - 20th April 2013, Prompt Corner
Contents
Introduction
Three sisters, living in an isolated parsonage at Haworth at the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, wrote some of the most passionate and enduring literature of all time. The play centres around the return of the drug-addled and alcoholic brother, Branwell, to the family home, following an affair with the mistress of the house where he was employed as a tutor. His turbulent presence brings chaos to the household and the sisters write and lose themselves in the fictional works they have written. Reality mixes with fiction as several of their most compelling characters haunt the sisters.
Cast
- Charlotte Brontë - Fiona Daffern
- Emily Brontë - Lucy Fletcher
- Anne Brontë - Hannah Casey
- Branwell Brontë / Arthur Huntingdon / Heathcliff - Charles Doyle
- Patrick Brontë / Arthur Bell Nicholls / Mr Rochester / Mr Hegar - Derek Dempsey
- Bertha Rochester / Cathy Earnshaw - Laura Yandell
Crew
- Assistant Director - Francesca Bastiani
- Stage Manager - Siobhan Campbell
- Assistant Stage Manager - Francesca Bastiani
- Lighting Designer - Gavin Parker
- Lighting & Sound Operator - Dominic Liversedge
- Set - Chaz Doyle and the cast
- Costumes - Lisa Thomas, Caroline Doyle, Kathryn Ramsay, Naomi Liddle
- Photos - Siobhan Campbell, Phil Gammon
Reviews
Caroline Beckett
Came to see the show last night and enjoyed it very much - great insightful play, really well acted by a focused and versatile cast who've been skilfully directed. Set looked good too - liked the "floorboards"!
Well done to cast and crew and really hope you get packed houses for the rest of the run - you deserve it. Go see it people!
David Cox
I must confess that I have never read Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre or Agnes Grey. So I couldn't claim to be a Bronte buff before seeing this play. But that presented no barrier to my understanding of the plot or performances. As the play progressed I was surprised by how much I was familiar with, through our general cultural osmosis.
Each performance was very convincing and well defined. Some of the actors played multiple roles and deftly transformed between them without causing any confusion. (Chaz Doyle’s hair acting versatility alone deserves a special mention). It’s a thought provoking play, not only on a biographical level, but also on the philosophical nature of writing and our need for recognition. I really enjoyed it.
I just realised I may becoming a Bronte buff.
Sarojini
Excellent play and superbly acted. Brill you are involved in something like this. Thought provoking and makes me want to know more about that family.
Gallery
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
Members are encouraged to write about their experiences of working on or seeing this production. Please leave your name. Anonymous entries may be deleted.
See Also
References
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