Theatre review: Jane Eyre, Rose Theatre

How do you condense a classic novel like Jane Eyre into a two-hour stage production? I’d imagine it’s not an easy task, but the new production at the Rose Theatre in Kingston has done a great job of it. Olivia Marcus leads an excellent cast who tell the story without leaving out any of the major plot points that make Charlotte Brontë’s book such a compelling read.

The production is directed by Lily Dyble and based on an adaptation of Jane Eyre by Sally Cookson, Mike Akers, and The Original Company. It was first performed at the National Theatre in 2015, while this version kicked off at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre before moving to the Rose. Collaborations between regional theatres make it much more viable for them to create high-quality original co-productions.

And this is definitely a high-quality production. Olivia Marcus plays Jane Eyre with a strong Yorkshire accent that feels authentic to the author’s roots. And she gives a powerful, nuanced performance throughout all of the trials and moments of happiness that Jane experiences in her life.

Marcus also has great chemistry with Gabriel Akuwudike’s Mr Rochester. Their attraction is subtle at first but simmers and grows until Jane takes control and declares herself before he marries the socialite Blanche, played by Millie Faraway. She is seen earlier in the play as Bessie, as almost all of the cast perform in two or even three parts, but it works really well. Andrea Gatchalian is particularly good as both Jane Eyre’s childhood friend Helen and Rochester’s French ward Adele.

The set is dark, moody and primarily based around a large staircase. This works pretty effectively, though the multiple large speakers placed on the stairs felt a bit intrusive to me at times.

I’m always slightly nervous at seeing classic novels brought to the screen or stage. Some modern productions really don’t hit the mark, and while this isn’t modern, it is quite sparse in dialogue and set. But it’s a very effective and engaging retelling of the story that I think Charlotte Brontë would have been more than happy with.

Jane Eyre is playing at the Rose Theatre until 24 October. It then moves to Northern Stage in Newcastle and Storyhouse in Chester. For more reviews of theatre, art, exhibitions, comedy and music, check the Arts section of my blog.