Jane Eyre: Yorkshire's ultimate heroine

Jane Eyre is such an iconic literary character. What were your first thoughts when you found out you would be portraying her in Northern Ballet’s production?

I was thrilled to learn that I would have the opportunity to play Jane this time around, for several meaningful reasons. First, I had the privilege of being part of the creation of this ballet in 2016, which was an exciting experience, as it marked my introduction to Cathy Marston’s brilliant work. Second, I am deeply drawn to Jane as a character. While she is often described as ‘plain,’ she is anything but. Her quiet strength, resilience, and generosity shine vividly through the choreography, making her an inspiring and multifaceted role to embody.

How did you prepare to embody Jane Eyre, both as a character and as a dancer?

To prepare for the role, I am currently reading the book, which has been an enriching experience. While I’ve watched the movie each time we’ve performed the ballet, this is the first time I’m immersing myself in the original text. I also plan to revisit the film adaptation and review videos of the original cast, as well as the various interpretations by other casts at Northern Ballet and at companies that have performed the ballet around the world. This allows me to study different nuances and perspectives, helping me discover how best to portray Jane’s story in a way that feels authentic to me. It’s also been invaluable to have been part of the ballet’s creation and to have listened to Cathy articulate her vision so deeply during that process — it’s a foundation I continually draw upon.

Are there any particular scenes or moments in the ballet that you found especially challenging or rewarding to perform?

We are still in the early stages of learning the choreography, so it’s too soon to pinpoint which sections will be particularly challenging. However, I can already tell there are some beautiful pas de deux that I’m excited to explore, including the final pas de deux, where Rochester is blind. The music in this section is powerful and deeply moving, which adds an extra layer of emotion to the choreography. It’s such a poignant conclusion to their story, and I can’t wait to bring that depth and intensity to life through movement and music.

The story of Jane Eyre involves themes like resilience, independence, and love. How do these themes influence your performance?

They profoundly influence my performance because they are at the core of who Jane is – both as a character and a woman. One of the great challenges of portraying characters who feel so ‘real’ is that they are far more complex than mystical or fantastical figures. Jane, for instance, is deeply in love, but her journey to fully accept her feelings is fraught with internal and external struggles. From a young age, we see her independence and strong will – qualities not always celebrated in her time. Yet it’s this resilience and quiet defiance of societal expectations that make her such a rewarding character to embody. Her strength, vulnerability, and humanity all combine to create someone who feels incredibly authentic and inspiring.

If you could speak to Charlotte Brontë, what would you ask her about Jane Eyre or her vision for the character?

I would ask her how much of herself she saw in Jane when creating the character. Given that Charlotte had to publish Jane Eyre under a male pseudonym, it’s fascinating that she crafted such a strong-willed and independent female protagonist. It makes me wonder if Jane is, in some ways, the person Charlotte wished she could be — a reflection of her aspirations, courage, and resilience in the face of societal constraints. It would be incredible to know how much of Jane’s journey is rooted in Charlotte’s own experiences.

What do you hope audiences will take away from this production of Jane Eyre?

I hope audiences leave the theatre feeling deeply moved and perhaps even inspired to push past the boundaries they may face in their own lives. At its core, this story speaks to the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit, and I hope it reminds people of the profound power of love – how it can help us endure, overcome, and transform. My greatest wish is for the audience to walk away with a sense of hope, and something deeply felt in their hearts.

What are you most looking forward to about performing Jane Eyre in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds?

I’m so excited to dance Jane Eyre in Leeds because it’s such an iconic Northern story, and there’s something so special about performing it in the North. You can feel how much the audiences connect with it — it’s truly a beloved classic of Northern English literature. Bringing this character to life on home soil feels particularly meaningful, and I hope to do Jane justice and honour the deep connection audiences have to her story.

Bertha Mason is such an enigmatic and intense character. How did you approach preparing for this role?

First, I read the novel to understand her character. From there, I began rehearsals and worked with the staff to find Bertha’s voice through movement. Next, I will work with Cathy on the finishing details of my interpretation.

Were there any particular aspects of Bertha’s character that you found especially challenging or inspiring to bring to life through dance?

I’d like the audience to sympathise with her which is challenging to voice through dance.

Bertha is often portrayed as both a victim and a villain. How do you see her, and how does your performance balance these perspectives?

I see Bertha as both. Mostly her choreography is wild and chaotic, so the challenge will be showing her as a victim.

The audience often has a strong emotional response to Bertha. What do you hope they feel or understand through your performance?

A woman misunderstood.

What do you think this production of Jane Eyre offers that sets it apart from other adaptations of the novel?

The opportunity to watch and experience storytelling through movement.

What are you most looking forward to about performing Jane Eyre in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds?

We will be opening Jane Eyre in Leeds and I always enjoy the excitement of opening week, especially at home.