Jane Eyre - Keighley Playhouse

I WAS a little apprehensive to go see this production as I like farces and comedies, so a costume drama -- corsets and polite conversation -- what was I going to make of it?

Actually I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. The set, the costumes, the special effects between Act 2 and Act 3, and all the characters.

Beth Welch and Dale Chadwick played the two lead characters of Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester and worked well together.

Beth Welch with the kindness but determined character of a young women who was not going to be put down by society, and Dale Chadwick, the weary middle-aged man with a dark secret, afraid to love. The pair were extremely watchable from start to finish.

Deborah Mouat was excellent as the house keeper Mrs Fairfax who greeted Jane and kept the other characters grounded in the story. She was the constant throughout the play ready with either a sarcastic comment or a kind word.

The other smaller parts were played equal well by the rest of the cast, and together made an excellent unit.

A special mention for Martha Edwards, who played Rochester’s ward Adele. Having to speak not only in French, but also with an accent for her part, top marks.

Finally the director, Mike Boothroyd, to direct a very wordy play, with little 'action', and still make it watchable and not boring is an art. Brilliant.

Yes, I actually liked it that much. Well done everyone.

• Until Saturday, 7.30pm. Call 07599 890769 to check ticket availability.

Philip Smith