Sadler’s Wells, London
May 14, 2025
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is possibly one of the best-known stories in the English language, one of an orphan girl, growing-up under harsh conditions, who finds work as a governess, and love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. If only it were that simple. Jane is them devastated to learn that he is married and his wife still alive, if hidden away and mad.
There is a lot of story, and it’s not the easiest to follow as retold in the ballet. I probably wasn’t the only one resorting to the programme to work out exactly what was going on on-stage.
Having said that, Northern Ballet’s rendition of Jane Eyre was one of the most beautifully danced ballets I have seen in a long while. All the dancers were both technically and expressively excellent, with the two leads, Sarah Chun as Jane and Joseph Taylor as Mr. Rochester, particularly so. They melted and flowed around the stage with grace and perfection.
Photo Caroline Holden
The choreography, by Cathy Marston, is innovative, creative, intriguing, and challenging. A perfect combination. Every movement has place and meaning.
Patrick Kinmoth’s costumes are of the period, which does mean a lot of dark colours. In contrast, his set is rather modernistic and graphic-designed. It could easily belong to another ballet. Alistair West’s lighting is dim almost throughout, an increasing trend it seems. While that may be accurate for the period, and possibly reflect the trauma and emotion of the story, a little more brightness would have been welcome. The notable exception are the fire scenes, which are aflame.
Philip Feeney’s music, conducted expertly by Lauren Wasynczuk (and how nice to see the Northern Ballet Orchestra back in the pit) is interesting, tonal, and matches the choreography exceptionally well. Unfortunately, after the first half hour or so, it seemed to be on a continuous repeat loop. I longed for a more light and shade, the change of musical construct, tempo and emotion so called for by the story.
But overall, an evening not to be missed for the outstanding dancing and choreography. But a little more light, please.