Jan Beavis: RIP

We have received the sad news of the passing of one of our longest-standing and beloved members, Jan Beavis. 

We received this message from her daughter, Michelle Montague:

"Having been diagnosed with mixed dementia over a decade ago, Jan Beavis passed away on Sunday 12 October. Miche and her brother, Simon, were by her side."

Jan is seen here with Miche 'during the Sewell Barn Theatre / Maddermarket Theatre heydays'; and the photograph of the younger Jan was taken in a production of 'Johnny Belinda' in the late 1960s.

For newer members of the theatre: Jan's daughter Miche is herself a much-loved member of the Norwich theatre family, previous Artistic Director at the Sewell Barn (2011-2016), actor and director: Jan's husband Mike, who passed away in 2018, was the Barn's technical director for many years, and the family has been a huge part of the theatre's work across the decades.

We send our great love and condolences to her friends and family, and we will pass on / publish here the funeral / memorial details when these are known.

A few of the tributes received are posted below, and will be updated over time.

***

Sad news indeed. Jan, along with her husband Mike, have given many decades of devotion and hard work to the Norwich theatre scene. Daughter Miche continues the family tradition as actor, director, writer and a devoted inspiration to the world of theatre. Our thoughts go out to her and all the family. David

I came to the theatre world late in the day and Jan, along with Mike, were two of the people who made me so welcome at the Sewell Barn, always a warm, friendly theatre with a wonderful ambience, thanks to people like her. Our thoughts are with you, Miche. Terry

Very sad to hear this. I'll remember many happy hours spent drinking tea in the costume dept of the Maddermarket. A lovely woman. Robin

Such sad news. Jan was always ready with a warm welcome and up for some mischief and fun too. I’m sorry to hear of her passing, and I send lots of love to Miche, knowing all too well the struggles that dementia brings. Rest well Jan. xx Tracie

I’m so sorry to hear this! I have so many magical memories with Jan and will hold them dearly in my heart! My love to Miche and family. My thoughts and my love are with you all. x Ruth

The House of Bernarda Alba

by Federico Garcia Lorca, translation by Jo Clifford | Directed by Sabrina Poole
9–11, 15-18 October 2025

“If you are a woman, you are punished just by being born.”

Bernarda Alba’s husband is dead. Now she and her daughters must complete eight years of mourning. Confined physically and emotionally, they must spend their days in regimented fashion. But trapped within the walls, buried tensions and secret desires fight their way to the surface and even the strongest of locks cannot hold back the tragedy beating at the doors.

The last of Lorca’s classics, written only months before his murder, is a disturbingly relevant story of the shattering effects of emotional repression.

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts Photography

"Another great achievement for the Sewell Barn Company. You all pulled off a powerful performance of a demanding piece of theatre and credit should go to the Sewell Barn Company for pushing the boundaries and being unpredictable in their choice of productions. One of the most impressive aspects of the performance is the way in which you all manage to create an atmosphere of tension in a small space with a simple set. You all do this through your engagement with your characters and the relationships you build with one another. It’s tight, gripping and moody. The simplicity of the production contrasts with the depth of meaning in the play. I liked the use of the table as the centrepiece (and the way it was lit) and the choreographed table-setting worked well, symbolically and as an interlude. Well done to you all! I thoroughly enjoyed it." Denise

"Sally Krykant is a devastating force as the tyrannical matriarch, Bernarda, who dominates the stage every time she enters.... The most nuanced and compelling performance of the evening comes from Jan Farrar as the long-serving housekeeper, Poncia. Farrar brings great range to this pivotal character... This is an excellent production that powerfully stages the inevitable explosion of repression and generational trauma. It is a compelling play - and the irony that even without a single man on stage, the consequences of the patriarch still claims the final, painful victory." April Nash, East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"...very good theatre and created a sense of claustrophobia. How small worlds can oppress. Visually impactful. Do go." Jonathan

"With an all female cast, this is a superb and beautifully written play exploring themes of repression, passion, conformity and the effects of men upon women. Wonderful set, staging and direction by Sabrina Poole and some fine performances made for a great evening of theatre!" Alison

"Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba is a stark, cruel play depicting the repressed lives of rural Spanish women only one hundred years ago. This is evident as soon as you enter the Sewell Barn Theatre space - white walls and furniture contrast with the black costumes of the women as they exist from day to day. This group of actors works brilliantly together, building the hatred and the fear throughout.  The whole production is tightly directed by Sabrina Poole who also created the fantastic technical effects - lighting, projections and sound all working to enhance the atmosphere." Clare Williamson, FOH Manager and previous Artistic Director