Originally performed in two parts at Bristol Old Vic in February 2014, Jane Eyre went on to a further life in co-production with the National Theatre, reworked into a one part performance, and ran throughout Autumn 2015 at the National’s Lyttleton Theatre, also broadcast into cinemas across the UK and internationally through NT Live broadcasts.
It plays at Bristol Old Vic until 6 Feb 2016 when it then transfers to Theatre Royal Nottingham from 9-13 February, prior to performances at the Hong Kong Arts Festival from the 18 – 21 February.
This bold and dynamic re-imagining of Brontë’s timeless masterpiece, is directed by Sally Cookson, a Bristol Old Vic associate artist, well-known for West-End productions of Hetty Feather and the Olivier nominated Cinderella. She brings her extraordinary storytelling talents to bear on one of the most influential works of the 19th century with an ensemble cast of ten actors and musicians.
Jane Eyre realises a life-long ambition of Cookson’s to take the iconic figures of the 170 year old novel and radically re-examine the characters we think we know so well.
This critically acclaimed production explores themes of individual freedom, accountability, the stigma of mental illness and uses an original score and live music created by Sally’s long-time collaborator Benji Bower to create a vivid and compelling journey.
Jane Eyre is played by Madeleine Worrall. Previously at Bristol Old Vic as Wendy in 2013’s Peter Pan, she has worked extensively in theatre, most notably as Irina in Michael Blakemore’s West End production of Three Sisters with Kristin Scott Thomas and Kate Burton; as Sonya in John Byrne’s Uncle Varick with Brian Cox for the Royal Lyceum, and as Cinderella in Stephen Fry’s original version for the Old Vic in London.
Rochester is played by Felix Hayes. A regular company member of the RSC, he was also co-founder of Network of Stuff Theatre, and made the short list for The Lists’ new writing award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006 with The Unsinkable Clerk. He regularly appears for Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Travelling Light and the Tobacco Factory. Bertha is played by Melanie Marshall, a classically trained singer, acclaimed theatre performer and recording artist. She was part of the Tony award-winning cast of Fela! and has appeared in productions as varied as Porgy and Bess, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The Tempest.
The cast is completed by Craig Edwards, Laura Elphinstone, Simone Saunders, Maggie Tagney and musicians Benji Bower, Will Bower and Phil King.
Jane Eyre realises a life-long ambition of Cookson’s to take the iconic figures of the 170 year old novel and radically re-examine the characters we think we know so well.
This critically acclaimed production explores themes of individual freedom, accountability, the stigma of mental illness and uses an original score and live music created by Sally’s long-time collaborator Benji Bower to create a vivid and compelling journey.
Jane Eyre is played by Madeleine Worrall. Previously at Bristol Old Vic as Wendy in 2013’s Peter Pan, she has worked extensively in theatre, most notably as Irina in Michael Blakemore’s West End production of Three Sisters with Kristin Scott Thomas and Kate Burton; as Sonya in John Byrne’s Uncle Varick with Brian Cox for the Royal Lyceum, and as Cinderella in Stephen Fry’s original version for the Old Vic in London.
Rochester is played by Felix Hayes. A regular company member of the RSC, he was also co-founder of Network of Stuff Theatre, and made the short list for The Lists’ new writing award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006 with The Unsinkable Clerk. He regularly appears for Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Travelling Light and the Tobacco Factory. Bertha is played by Melanie Marshall, a classically trained singer, acclaimed theatre performer and recording artist. She was part of the Tony award-winning cast of Fela! and has appeared in productions as varied as Porgy and Bess, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The Tempest.
The cast is completed by Craig Edwards, Laura Elphinstone, Simone Saunders, Maggie Tagney and musicians Benji Bower, Will Bower and Phil King.
Theatre Royal Nottingham
Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 February 2016
Evenings 7pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees 1.30pm
£32.50 – £14 plus concessions
£32.50 – £14 plus concessions
Box Office: 0115 989 5555
Why not check out:
Theatre: First ever MAMMA MIA! UK tour visiting Royal Concert Hall Nottingham in June will star Nottingham actress as Donna Sheridan
Theatre: MAGIC AND MISCHIEF: A WINTER SEASON OF DELICIOUSLY DARK FAIRY TALES
Preview: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
February @ Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall