The Bronte
Family On Stage
The Brontes are perhaps
the most celebrated family in the history of English
literature. The three Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Anne and
Emily, all wrote acknowledged classics, though they died
tragically young. Their brother, Branwell, though less
well-known, was also a talented writer and artist.
Clearly such a talented
family must have come from an exceptional background, and the
life of the Brontes holds a fascination as enduring as their
work. It is a subject biographers have returned to time and
time again, and it also provides the subject of a new play -
Noel Robinson’s “Glasstown” - which the Cambridge Theatre
Company are presenting at the Swansea Grand Theatre this week.
Miss Robinson takes a
close look at one year in the life of the family - the momentous
year of 1845 - 46.
After a separation of
some months the family are together again.
Although the popular
image of the Brontes is of a family shut away in an isolated
Yorkshire parsonage, it soon becomes clear that they were, in
fact, well-travelled and progressive in their thinking.
Robert Powell and Anne Stallybrass in a
scene from “Glasstown”
Problems
But they are no longer
children playing “Glasstown” games. During the year they all
have to face up to reality, overcome problems and try to form
new relationships. Eventually, out of year of torment, come
their first published works.
Miss Robinson gives us
a vivid and intense picture of the changing pattern of their
lives. The tone is one of soul-searching and despair relieved
by occasional flashes of humour. The trials and tribulations
are, perhaps, rather too protracted, so that in the end one
feels more impatience than sympathy towards the family.
In a distinguished
cast, chief honours must go to Robert Powell for his sensitive
portrayal of Branwell. Anne Stallybrass brings out the
efficient, no-nonsense side of Charlotte’s character, but one
can’t help feeling there should be a little more gentleness and
gaiety, particularly in the early scenes.
Frith Banbury’s
production lives up to the Cambridge Theatre Company’s
reputation for all-round competence and polish as Bob Ringwood’s
brooding Victorian set does much to enhance the play.
“Glasstown” is Novel
Robinson’s first play for the theatre, and it is clear that the
theatre has found a considerable new talent.
© South Wales
Evening Post
8 May 1973
Glasstown