Sally Cookson’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece Jane Eyre will return to the National’s Lyttelton Theatre from 26 September – 21 October 2017, following a major UK tour.
2017 marks the 170th anniversary of the first publication of Jane Eyre and Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever.
This bold and dynamic production tells the story of one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment. From her beginnings as a destitute orphan, Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart.
Nadia Clifford plays Jane Eyre with Tim Delap as Rochester. They are joined by Hannah Bristow (Helen Burns/Adele/Diana/Grace Poole/Abbot), Matthew Churcher (Musician), Alex Heane (Musician), Melanie Marshall (Bertha Mason), Paul Mundell (Mr Brocklehurst/Pilot/Mason), David Ridley (Musician), Evelyn Miller (Bessie/Blanche Ingram/St John) and Lynda Rooke (Mrs Reed/Mrs Fairfax). The cast is completed by Ben Cutler, Jenny Johns, Dami Olukoya, Francesca Tomlinson and Phoebe Vigor.
Director Sally Cookson said about her production, “Adapting a novel for the stage is a challenging prospect – especially when that novel is cited as many people’s favourite of all time.”
“I chose this particular title because it’s a story that I love and have enjoyed a close relationship with ever since I was intrigued, as a child, by Orson Welles’ black and white melodrama with fabulous music by Bernard Herrmann… I was struck by how modern Jane seemed – her spirit and strong will, her peculiar and brilliant mind striving for personal freedom to be who she is, lashing out against any constraint that prevents her from being herself. She was exactly the sort of person I wanted to be.”
Cookson is an Associate Artist of Bristol Old Vic.
You can book your tickets through the National Theatre’s website.