WILLIS Hall's stage adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre retains the major part of the story and emphasises its feminist message.

At last night's opening of Peter Haslam's gritty production of this powerful love story, Marco Players confirmed that Jane Eyre is strong stuff even in 1997 and must have been sensational in the middle of the last century.

The production lasted nearly three hours and had 31 scenes, but the audience's attention never flagged. This was a tribute as much to the stage crew and production team as to the actors.

The scene changes were managed swiftly and effectively by subtle changes to a basic set.

Catriona Graham, convincing as Jane Eyre, and Alan Macpherson, at his talented best as Rochester, were well-matched leads.

Most other members of the cast had at least double roles, and Irene Smith, Jason Crompton and Lorraine Kenny each played as many as five parts.

Most of the other principals joined Catriona Graham in narrating Jane's story, which helped the action along.

Another multi-part player, Mark Roberts, made the transition from Mr Brockehurst to Porter, then Mason, and finally to a dry-stone-wall builder with confidence and skill.

Edwina Freeman was a sympathetic Mrs Fairfax, while Edward Wiseman, Jilly Howarth and Christine Brooks accomplished their various roles as well as anyone in a hard-working company.

The youngsters too were impressive, not least Charlotte Unsworth as the young Jane.

Leigh Allen as Helen Burns played her death-bed scene with considerable maturity. This ambitious production generally deserved top marks. Doreen Crowther

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.