Jane Eyre at the Rosemary Branch – review

Jane Eyre at the Rosemary Branch theatre. Photograph: Bill Knight

If all that dauntingly dense Victorian prose is the only thing standing between you and that list of you-ought-to-know classics, then now is your opportunity to catch this engaging two hour adaption of Charlotte Bronte’s popular work.

Bryony J. Thompson’s masterful script works with a no-frills set and costume design to reveal a raw and powerful drama, while excellent performances from the entire cast and fast-paced, energetic stage-direction draws out its passion.

This classic take on the beauty and the beast myth stars the superb Hannah Maddison as the iron-willed but emotionally isolated Jane. “Never was anything at once so frail and so indomitable…” marvels Mr Rochester. Rob Pomfret is well cast as the rough but complex hero with the backstory to beat all backstories and a curious habit of referring to women and children as “things”.

Given the novel’s celebration of female independence, Jane Eyre has been held up as an early feminist work. Perhaps it is, although one of its era; with lines such as “you may have me, but you may not have myself” in a narrative that otherwise appears to uphold the very Victorian virtues of feminine constancy and devotion.

Secrecy and a sense of the uncanny haunt this piece, in which Rochester believes himself to be bewitched, otherworldly voices beckon, and everyone has something they’re not telling.

The feeling that all is not quite right deepens when a marriage is planned before the end of the first half. Will it all work out for these two? Well, dear reader, you didn’t think I’d spoil it did you?

This is well-produced, high quality drama. And you don’t need to have read the book.

Jane Eyre
Until 30 March
The Rosemary Branch Theatre
 2 Shepperton Road, N1 3DT
rosemarybranch.co.uk