'The nerves are always worth it'

NATALIE BANYARD talks to Bristol actress Alison Campbell about bringing Jane Eyre to life in a unique and powerful production of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel

- 

CHARLOTTE Brontë’s Jane Eyre is a timeless classic that has thrilled readers and inspired many films and theatrical productions.

Now Live Wire & Roughhouse Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Jane Eyre: An Autobiography is coming to Bristol’s Alma Theatre.

Adapted by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland, this is a not-to-be-missed revival of the award-winning 2015 production, which was hailed a theatrical tour de force.

Blending physical theatre, modern storytelling and a feminist perspective, the moving and innovative production sees Bristol Old Vic Theatre School graduate Alison Campbell reprise her role as Jane a decade on.

“It’s like meeting up with an old friend,” says the Bristol-based actress. “Ten years down the line, it’s interesting how my insight into Jane and her story has changed with a bit more life experience. It’s such a treat to rework a show like this and bring even more depth and detail to it.

“I play Jane from childhood to adult, and charting that journey and the events that shape the adult she becomes is very satisfying as a Jane Eyre fan. It can get a bit emotional!”

And it’s not just Jane that Alison plays in this powerful one-woman production.

“Not just Jane indeed! At last count it's 20 characters. I love the creative challenge that multi-roling brings. Finding the essence of each character to jump into, finding their individual voice, physicality and character quirks.