“Impeccable”, “gripping” and “poignant” – critics have been quick to praise David Gilmore’s revival of Jane Clegg, which has not been seen on the London stage for more than 75 years. Take a look at what they said, then book your tickets.
St John Ervine’s pre-First World War tale of a woman attempting to escape her marriage premiered in 1913 at Manchester’s Gaiety Theatre, but has not graced the London stage since 1944. This revival runs at Finborough Theatre until 18 May 2019.
London, 1913. Travelling salesman Henry Clegg has taken his wife, Jane, for granted for most of their marriage. She endures his dishonesty, infidelity and neglect, as well as his demanding mother. But when Henry is accused of embezzling money from his firm and his latest affair is revealed, Jane realises she must finally escape her life of domestic abuse for herself and her children… only to find that for women without money and connections breaking free isn’t so easy.
The title role was originally created by Dame Sybil Thorndike. In this new production, Alix Dunmore takes on the role. Dunmore stars opposite Brian Martin, Victoria Lennox, Sidney Livingstone, Matthew Sim, Eve Prenelle & Theo Wilkinson. David Gilmore directs.
Delighted to have caught Jane Clegg @finborough @AlixFitzDunmore is a total revelation. A beautiful and commanding performance.
A tight, taut and massively resonant piece for audiences today.
Huge props to @humqacm for bringing it to our eyes.Runs till May 18th. Book up.
— Simon Darwen (@Darwen88) May 10, 2019
Jane Clegg is the third of St John Ervine‘s plays that Finborough Theatre has rediscovered and staged, following 2011’s four-star hit Mixed Marriage, described by Michael Billington in The Guardian as “The most compelling play in London,” and 2014’s John Ferguson.
Finborough Theatre and Andrew Maunder stage Jane Clegg as part of a season that also includes the world premiere of Julia Pascal’s tale of passion, war, women’s freedom and love, Blueprint Medea.
Review highlights
Heather Jeffery: “Every single nuance of the script is given its due, so nothing is missed.”
