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Overview

Synopsis

Sally Cookson’s adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s hugely successful novel takes us from Jane’s birth through her troubled childhood with her cruel aunt, Mrs. Reed. She is sent away to grow up at the bleak Lowood School but Jane craves freedom and change. Striking out on her own, she becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall to the French ward of the mysterious Edward Fairfax Rochester. But what is his secret? Jane grows close to Rochester and they make plans to marry. However, when she discovers that his insane wife, Bertha, is kept under lock and key on the third floor, she abandons Rochester and their burgeoning love. However, after toying with the idea of becoming the dutiful wife of the devout clergyman, St John, she feels Rochester’s call in her heart and returns to find him blind amongst the ruins of his ashen house.

Jane Eyre tells the story of a mistreated woman who struggles to achieve her own independence in a strict Victorian society. Starting out with nothing, she must find her way in a world where a woman’s success in the world is determined by her marital prospects. The action of the play is played out across a large wood and metal structure made up of ladders and platforms, providing a dynamic and imaginative space.

Editor’s Note: In the original production, the cast was formed of 3 musicians and 8 actors, who each (aside from Jane, Rochester, and Bertha) played multiple roles.

The original 2014 Bristol Old Vic production was staged over two acts but, when the play transferred to the National Theatre, it was revised to be performed in one act with a very small interval.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2014
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
Yorkshire, England, Nineteenth Century
Cast Size
large
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Jane Eyre

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Rochester

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Bertha Mason

Supporting

Female

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Mrs. Fairfax

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs. Reed

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Helen Burns

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

St John

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mr. Brocklehurst

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Bessie

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Adele

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Grace Poole

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Abbot

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Mason

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Blanche Ingram

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Diana Rivers

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Musicians/Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher