Jane Eyre: a Musical
Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Playing until 24th October 2026
Photo credit: Victoria Davies
{PR Gifted ticket}
Adapting a novel as famous as Jane Eyre, so deeply rooted in British culture, is quite a bold move. Almost everyone has heard of the story, which makes it very easy for critics to pick holes in it. Well, I think the bet has paid off. This adaptation by, the team behind Daddy Long Legs, is definitely worth seeing.
Jane Eyre (Charlie Burn) is a young orphan with a miserable childhood. After being treated badly by her aunt and then sent to a strict boarding school, she grows up determined to make her own way in the world. She gets a job as a governess at Thornfield Hall, looking after a little girl. The house belongs to Edward Rochester (Ashley Gilmour), a wealthy, complicated, mysterious man that has a secret locked in the dark corners of the house. Jane and Rochester initially clash, but gradually become close and fall in love.
For a novel first Published in 1847 by Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre was remarkably forward-thinking in its treatment of women's independence. It is a story about love, inequality, independence, childhood trauma, class and finding your own identity are all themes that still resonate today. While there were necessary omissions, all of the key elements of Jane’s journey remain perfectly preserved in this musical adaptation by John Caird and Paul Gordon, making this show a must see.
My only slight disappointment is that I would have liked to see more of the difficult period after Jane leaves Thornfield. We don't really get enough time to see what she goes through on her own, or how difficult it was for her before she finds her way back. That part of her journey would have been interesting to explore, particularly because it would have shown even more clearly how independent she has become.
Burn portrays Jane with remarkable finesse, the characterisation and musical score enable her to showcase her extensive vocal range, delicate and restrained at times and able to channel power when required. Gilmour’s interpretation of Rochester is rigid and imposing, which suits the character very well, capturing his mysterious but also charismatic personality.
However, the standalone performer accolade for me belongs to Emily-Rose Samuel as young Jane. Her presence is present in abundance each time she steps on stage, almost eclipsed everyone around her. And when she was playing Adèle, I particularly noticed her French accent. It sounded completely natural. It takes one to know one!
The whole cast (Jonathan Andrew Hume, Ashley Gilmour, Gemma Paige, Eve Shanu-Wilson) deserves a mention because playing several characters and switching between them so quickly is not an easy exercise. They all do it with great energy and never make it look complicated.
The live music is another strong point. Ben Kubiak and his ensemble give the musical a dramatic and sweeping sound that fits the story perfectly. What I particularly liked is that the musical doesn't make Jane's journey only about Rochester and the love story. The people she meets along the way also have an important role in making her the woman she eventually becomes.
The set designed by Morgan Large makes excellent use of the space, creating a large screen at the back projects pale images to suggest the different locations, while a big structure covered with wisteria vines frames the stage and gives it that Victorian feel.
The most exceptional element of this production is its ability to clearly demonstrate Jane’s evolution. She doesn't suddenly become an independent woman. We see her grow into one, making this beautifully performed and cleverly staged adaptation show an exceedingly satisfying watch.
Creatives
Book and Additional Lyrics: John Caird
Music and Lyrics: Paul Gordon
Co-Director: John Caird, Megan McGinnis
Musical Director/Supervisor: Ben Kubiak
Choreographer: Georgina Lamb
Set and Costume Designer: Morgan Large
Sound Designer: Andrew Johnson
Lighting Designer: James Whiteside
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