Review: Jane Eyre

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

It must be daunting to be tasked with adapting a classic novel that is as adored as Jane Eyre.

There have been countless stage and screen versions of Charlotte Brontë’s literary masterpiece but director/adapter Sally Cookson’s must surely be one of the best.

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The trick, it seems, is to be fearless – not overly reverential with the material and absolutely commited to being true to the medium in which the story is being presented. Cookson’s credentials in this regard are impeccable – a highly skilled director and theatre-maker she knows exactly how to make a story leap into life on stage. The National Theatre production was a huge success at the Lytellton in 2015 and is now on a UK tour that takes in several dates in Yorkshire.

As a piece of theatre it is perfect – inventive, imaginative, totally compelling. Employing exciting physicality and live music on a versatile multi-level set, while at the same time giving due prominence to Brontë’s fine original dialogue, it is rivetting from start to finish. There are some ‘almost-forgot-to-breathe’ moments and at no point does its three hour running time feel too long. The script places right at its centre Jane’s life story, never allowing it to become secondary to the love story between a governess and her employer. Having said that there is a great zingy chemistry between Nadia Clifford as Jane and Tim Delap as Rochester which ensures the audience is always rooting for their happy ending.

Clifford absolutely inhabits the role – her ‘poor, obscure, plain and little’ Jane is a feisty bundle of energy and Delap delivers a refreshing take on the traditionally ‘brooding’ hero – laconic and world-weary yet vulnerable and tender. The three-piece onstage band provide fine accompanient by turns poignant, atmospheric, jaunty and Melanie Marshall, as Bertha Mason lends her beautiful singing voice to the storytelling, including a a stand-out rendition of Mad About the Boy. The rest of the highly talented ensemble cast play multiple roles with great flair, nailing each charactersation with aplomb. And as a team they work together brilliantly – a hilarious rendering of a bumpy stagecoach ride is a prime example.

An unmissable treat.

To April 22, then touring to York, Leeds and Hull.