Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Joy Wright

Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre returns to the stage in a revival that offers a beautiful fusion of modern and classical ballet with literary adaptation. Choreographed by Cathy Marston, this production brings Charlotte Brontë’s iconic novel to life again for Sheffield audiences.

Marston’s choreography effectively captures the depth of Brontë’s characters. The dual portrayal of Jane Eyre by Alessandra Bramante as Young Jane and Amber Lewis as Adult Jane allows for a developing exploration of the character’s evolution. From her early life as an orphan and moving through to adulthood after times of cruelty and abandonment. The portrayal of the young Jane is visible in vulnerability while Lewis’s performance as the adult Jane conveys the growth of resilience.

There’s a curiosity of the D-Men – you’ll see them, men creating barriers, restrictions, difficulties, overwhelm and constraints for Jane in the society of her time and in her position as a woman, victim to them all. Resistant to their strength and burning with her desire for more in life.

Miguel Teixeira’s role as Mr. Rochester is enigmatic and as the story unfolds it is intriguing to see how he conducts himself. His performance describes internal conflict clearly. Helen Bogatch introduces an element of intensity and chaos as Bertha Mason, culminating in a striking scene set against the backdrop of Thornfield Hall’s destruction and skeletal remains. Her role is wild and dramatic and looks raw on stage.

The production’s design elements complement its thematic depth. Patrick Kinmonth’s set and costume designs employ an austere palette, reflecting the repression and limitations experienced by the characters. The use of large curtains effectively suggests the internal features of a grand house, while also serving as a metaphor for the barriers Jane faces in her journey. Alastair West’s lighting design enhances the atmosphere, shifting from the cold austerity of Lowood School to the contrast of Thornfield Hall. The most compelling moments are expertly created in moments where set and lighting combine to depict chaos and danger to great effect.

Philip Feeney’s score, performed live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, underscores the emotional narrative. The music transitions between the quieter moments of Jane’s early years and the dramatic intensity of her experiences at Thornfield.

Ballet is a difficult medium to depict a story, perhaps more so for a story so encompassed by misery but Northern Ballet have a history of compelling story telling and all fans should easily interpret the elegance of Bronte’s timeless classic.

Rating: 5/5

Jane Eyre is scheduled to run at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre from April 22 to April 26, 2025. Ticket prices range from £15.00 to £56.50, For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk