Literary bondage broken by Brontë magic
Nestled amidst the windswept moors of West Yorkshire lies the enchanting village of Haworth. A place where time dances to the rhythm of cobbled streets, where the whisper of heather-clad hills echoes secrets, and where the legacy of literary giants weaves its spell. It is here, in this timeless corner of England, that the captivating play We Are Three Sisters unfolds — a tale that beckons us beyond the veil of history and into the intimate lives of the Brontë siblings.
Three sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne — bound by blood, yet each a universe unto herself. Their names resonate across centuries, like notes of a haunting melody. But what lies behind the ink-stained pages of their novels? What passions, fears, and unspoken longings simmered within the walls of the Haworth Parsonage? Charlotte, Anne, and Emily light up their world with outspoken wit, aspirations, dreams and ideas, and throughout their confined lives intensely lived... they write.
Charlotte Brontë, the eldest, wears her responsibilities like a heavy cloak. She tends to her siblings, her father’s failing eyesight, and the ghosts that haunt the moors. Her heart yearns for love, yet duty binds her. In her eyes, we glimpse the fire of rebellion and the ache of unfulfilled desire.
Emily is an enigma. She roams the moors like a spectral wraith, her spirit untamed as the heather. Her masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, pulses with raw passion. But her own heart remains locked, its key lost in the mists. She is the embodiment of longing, the muse who dances with ghosts.
Anne, the quiet Brontë, observes life through a veil of gentleness. Her novel, Agnes Grey, speaks of governesses and hidden sorrows. Yet Anne harbors her own secrets—the ache of unrequited love, the quiet rebellion against societal norms. Her strength lies in her silence, her resilience in her restraint.
In amongst all this, their lives are entwined with the people around them. Their father the priest, the men who crave their attention, housekeeper who has given a life time of faithful service, and the wayward brother who paints the only surviving portrait of them as a group.
About Blake Morisson
Born in Skipton, Blake Morrison is a versatile author of plays, novels, poetry, and non-fiction. In 2007, his memoir And When Did You Last See Your Father? was made in to a film starring Jim Broadbent and Juliet Stephenson, and his novel The Last Weekend was adapted for TV in 2010, starring Endeavour’s Sean Evans.
We Are Three Sisters, written for Northern Broadsides in 2011, is far from his only work with local interest. In 1996 he published a book of poetry about the Pendle witches.
Cast
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This will be my 18th production with Stage Two Downham, starting with 2007’s Noises Off, and including The Ghost Train, both of which were directed by the excellent Fran Osborne, our director for We Are Three Sisters.
I act for a number of societies in the area, which allows me to play a broad variety of characters and genres. I recently played the title role in Grow Up Granddad for Burnley Garrick.
I have always found Stage Two a friendly happy group. We have had some good times together.
Andrea is back on stage after a break of nearly 10 years, and recently appeared in A Bunch of Amateurs with Burnley Garrick.
Previous productions with Stage Two include Flare Path, The Ghost Train and Strictly Murder.
Andrea is over the moon to be back in the Stage Two Downham fold with old friends and new, and she hopes you enjoy the production.
Martha will be playing the role of the mysterious Emily Brontë.
Martha was in her first Stage Two production at the ripe age of 10 in The Admirable Crichton, and is now taking on a much larger role at the age of 16. Martha also performs as a solo singer and attends Ella Shaws Academy of Arts, an award winning performing arts school in Lancashire. She is also studying drama in college and intends to make a career out of her passion for the creative arts.
Jen first performed with us back in 2013 in The Ghost Train. Since then, Jen has been involved in several Stage Two productions including The Admirable Crichton, A Bunch of Amateurs and last year took on two lead roles in Pygmalion and Educating Rita. She has also performed with other local societies including Blackburn Drama Club and CPCAODS.
Jen has also played principal roles in Musical Theatre Productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Calamity Jane and Sunshine on Leith, all with Blackburn Musical Theatre Company.
Jen is thrilled to be playing the role of Anne and is delighted to be directed by Fran Osborne again.
I’m Alfie and while I have faith it’s not too obvious, this is my first adult play, and I’m honoured to have been taken under the wing of Downham Stage Two.
I helped with sound and lighting for The Dresser. From there it seems I’d done such a bad job I’ve been demoted to an actor in this play as the character Branwell.
I’ve loved my time here with the people that surround this community and look forward to hopefully being invited back for future plays.
Richard’s first show with Stage Two was 2014’s Confusions, and he has appeared in several since then, including most recently Educating Rita. He has also co-directed plays, including God Of Carnage.
As well as Stage Two, Richard has appeared on stage for Blackburn Musical Theatre Company, and Blackburn Drama Club, where he has had the privilege of bringing to life some iconic roles, such as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, and Perks in The Railway Children.
With the Doctor in We Are Three Sisters, Richard is back to his comfort zone of ‘grumpy middle aged bloke’!
Chris is celebrating his 11th year with Stage Two having tread his first board with the society in 2013’s Ghost Train, alongside Jennifer, Steve, and Andrea, and also directed by Fran. Chris is excited to be performing in a modern play with a classical pedigree highlighting the broadness of Stage Two’s range.
When not acting in Stage Two Chris enjoys singing bass in the Ribble Valley’s premier barbershop group Wrong Direction, and has been known to join the chorus of the odd musical here and there.
This is Alan’s fourth appearance for Stage Two, and despite suffering from terminal stage fright this is delicately balanced with a massive ego and so he is back for another go. He’s probably been bitten by some sort of bug.
He looks forward to performing on stage with a really talented bunch and some exceptional new talent. He is delighted to be reunited with Fran, the director, who plucked him out of obscurity to give him his first part in A Bunch of Amateurs and has probably forgotten how mediocre he was.
Julie only recently came back to am dram in May this year after a 30 year break. This is her first performance with Stage Two and is thrilled and honoured to be playing Lydia Robinson in We Are Three Sisters.
Recently Julie played ‘Jean’ in Sunshine on Leith with Blackburn Musical Theatre Company along side Richard Hubbard and Jen Whiteside. She is so happy to be back on stage with both of them again.
She would like to thank Fran Osbourne and her team for giving her the opportunity to play Lydia and to bring her back to life.
Jacqui joined Stage Two Downham in 2018 and has been involved with all of their productions ever since. From props and set development to Production Manager, she is always happy to provide backstage support in some way or other.
Jacqui enjoys directing and had her directing debut in 2021, with The Winslow Boy. Most recently Jacqui was delighted to direct The Dresser earlier this year.
Jacqui has appeared in a number of Stage Two plays such as The Admirable Crichton, A Bunch of Amateurs and Pygmalion. She is looking forward to being part of the company, playing Tabby the housekeeper, in We Are Three Sisters.
I directed my first play for Stage Two in 1999 with The Village Fete, and I am so proud to still be a member of this friendly, talented, supportive, entertaining - I could go on - group of people!
Over the years we have chosen a range of plays from comedies to mysteries to dramas and this time we hope you will enjoy a historical drama about the Brontë Sisters. A peep into a very talented family, but not without their problems.
Interval Refreshments
There will once again be a bar selling glasses of prosecco (and equally nice non-alcoholic alternatives) during the interval of each performance.
Pre-Theatre Meal at The Assheton Arms
We are delighted that once again The Assheton Arms in Downham will be offering a pre-theatre meal exclusively for Stage Two Downham ticket holders.
They will provide a two course meal for just £20, and will also make sure your meal is complete in time for you to make short journey to Downham Village Hall. Once you have bought your theatre tickets, call The Assheton Arms on 01200 439699 to reserve your table.
What was said...
...by the audience
So impressed with the cast and production.
It was excellent. The actors were superb.
A lovely friendly atmosphere. The venue was good and the stage set was very atmospheric. The cast were well versed and the play thought provoking. I’ll definitely be coming to The Odd Couple.
The effort and creativity that goes into both the production and the performances was clear, and it was a pleasure to see.
You were all fabulous darlings! Honestly very good.
Brilliant performance from the cast, when attended first night performance, well done everyone.
Wonderful performances from everyone. It feels like I am seeing an extended family. What a wonderful cast and company.
Lovely to see a packed house.
I was immediately transported to the Haworth Parsonage, where their lives unfolded, introducing us to each new character and bringing them back to life. I laughed and cried. This play will stay with me for a long time. Bravo to everyone, front and back stage!
