Jane Eyre at Perth Theatre

Feb 19 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Jane Eyre at Perth Theatre

PERTHSHIRE school pupil Beth Duncan, is making her professional stage debut in Perth Theatre’s production of Jane Eyre this spring.

The 16-year-old Kilgraston student plays Jane Eyre’s young charge Adele in the Horsecross Arts production of the stage adaptation of the Charlotte Brontë classic.

Beth, who plans to study drama, has already taken part in several school productions, but this is her first experience of working in a theatre.

“It was a bit daunting at first as I had no idea what it would be like working in a professional theatre, but everybody has been really lovely and supportive,” said Beth.

“I have gone beyond the nervous stage now and am really excited about the production which is a very creative and visual take on the well-known story.”

Beth has been brushing up on her French accent for the role which also requires her to perform some ballet steps.

This stage adaptation of Jane Eyre centres on the idea that hidden inside the sensible frozen Jane, there exists another, more passionate self.

As a child, the orphaned Jane Eyre is taught to stifle her natural exuberance. A part of herself is locked away, out of view of polite society, until she arrives at Rochester’s house as a governess to his young child, Adele.

Director Ian Grieve said: “This production uses a multi-talented team to create a show which combines theatre with elements of music and dance to tell the story in a truly dramatic way.

The Horsecross Arts show is urgent, fast and energetic, capturing, for stage, all the atmosphere and passion of the Brontë novel.”

As well as introducing Beth Duncan, the production brings a number of new faces to Perth Theatre stage, plus a welcome return for Perth’s Tom McGovern as Rochester. Music is by Iain Johnstone and Jon Beales.

Jane Eyre is at Perth Theatre from Friday, March 5, until Saturday, March 20. Box office is 01738 621031, or www.horsecross.co.uk