Northern Ballet brings literary heroine, Jane Eyre, back to the region

Audiences can join one of literature’s most iconic heroines on a journey of resilience, romance and redemption as Northern Ballet’s critically acclaimed Jane Eyre heads to two Yorkshire theatres this spring as part of a new national tour. The production opens at Leeds Grand Theatre from 14 – 22 March and at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre from 22 – 26 April.

Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, Northern Ballet will bring this beautiful love story to life with heart-stirring choreography and live music that captures the essence of her timeless tale.

Experience the unexpected twists and turns of one woman’s life from the dreary school room to a towering manor house and the sweeping Yorkshire moors. The ultimate dramatic tale of romance, jealousy and dark secrets, Jane Eyre is the story of one woman’s indomitable spirit overcoming all boundaries.

Jane Eyre was originally premièred by Northern Ballet in May 2016 and nominated for a South Bank Sky Arts Award in 2017. Jane Eyre is choreographed by internationally acclaimed British dance maker Cathy Marston whose recent credits include Snowblind for Atlanta Ballet and The Cellist for Ballet Zürich in 2023.

Jane Eyre is set to a score of original compositions and existing work compiled and arranged by composer Philip Feeney. Sets and costumes are designed by Patrick Kinmonth and lighting is designed by Alastair West, whose recent credits include Northern Ballet’s Casanova.

Cathy Marston said: "The Brontë's stories are inspiring to translate into dance because of their intense emotional journeys for the protagonists, the backdrop of landscape and elemental forces that seem to amplify these emotions, and in the case of Jane Eyre particularly, the range of wonderful soloist roles that add texture, depth, and warmth to the central narrative."

Federico Bonelli, artistic director at Northern Ballet said: "What do we all love about Jane Eyre? Her resilience, determination and steadfast knowledge of who she is as she navigates a life filled with turmoil. Combined with her love story with Mr Rochester this story is perfect to be told through ballet, and in our Jane Eyre the dancing, sets, costumes and music fully immerse you in Jane's life. There is so much for any dancer to work with to encapsulate the layered characters and narrative created by Charlotte Brontë and even more for an audience member to enjoy in this beautiful retelling by Cathy Marston”.

Jane Eyre will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on Friday 14 March before touring to Nottingham Theatre Royal, Sheffield Lyceum Theatre and London’s Sadler’s Wells, finishing with a five-day run at Norwich Theatre Royal from the 20 May. All venues will offer an audio-described performance to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments.

Visit northernballet.com to find out more and book tickets.