For some audience members, Charlotte Bronte's much-loved novel is a familiar story, while others may be discovering Jane Eyre for the first time. Either way, Jane Eyre: A Musical at Southwark Playhouse Elephant showcases how the creators have taken this huge novel and transformed it into a musical masterpiece of their own.
It feels like one of the closest adaptations to the original novel, encompassing the major themes of love, loss, abandonment, independence and belonging, while also displaying its greatest scenes. Could some have been developed further? Yes, but on the whole, this adaptation by John Caird and Paul Gordon was on point - the mix between music, narrative, stage presence and performance was exceptional.
We first meet Jane Eyre (a blend of adult Jane Eyre, Charlie Burn, and child Jayne Eyre, Emily-Rose Samuel) as an orphaned young girl who grows up with her cruel aunt and cousins before being sent away to Lowood School. It's here that she meets Helen Burns, a kind soul trapped in the harshness of the school, Jane's kindred spirit who dies but is never forgotten.
The show transitions just like the book, just like Jane, a child to a woman who becomes the governess to the young Adele at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious and often difficult but teasing Edward Rochester (Ashley Gilmour). Their growing relationship forms the heart of the story, but as readers of the book will know, Thornfield Hall has secrets of its own.
At times, adult Jane, especially during the first half, felt like Jane was Elsa from Frozen during the performance in song and dance - just like Mr Rochester describes Jane as a non-human throughout, she also felt magical in some moments, a woman discovering her inner powers, abilities and independence. At certain times it felt like the music also matched the tempo of Frozen songs, and it should be noted that despite being a very brunette version of Elsa, there was something common between them, especially when Jane was wearing her cape, empowerment remained a theme. But like Frozen there was something enduring in the message - a woman (Jane) refusing to be defined by what others expect of her and a person finding her voice.
One of the real special surprises was Emily-Rose Samuel as Little Jane. What a breath of fresh air. She doubles up as Adele - on the one hand a simple Jane and on the other, the complete opposite, a cheeky, sassy bilingual Adele who tests boundaries and bounces around the stage. Even in her tininess, she manages to encompass so much of who Jane really is and who she will become and it helps to bridge the gap on stage from the young child to the woman she grows to become.
The music is another huge strength in this adaptation. The songs fit naturally into the storytelling and are beautifully performed, allowing some of Jane's thoughts and emotions to be expressed in a way that are in keeping with the original character.
For those who studied Jane Eyre at A-level, don't be surprised if you find your English teacher creeping back into your mind. Mine certainly did. Themes, symbolism, characters and ideas that were pulled apart in our classroom were suddenly swirling around in my mind as every scene was played out.
Fitting an entire novel into a stage production means perhaps losing parts of the story. The absence of Jane's recovery after being found on the Moors and taken in by the Rivers siblings was notable. In the novel, her physical deterioration and recovery are significant, whereas here that part of her journey is lost. And let's not forget Pilot, Edward's trusted dog - unfortunately, not only is he nowhere to be seen, but there is no mention of him, yet his part in the novel is significant for both Jane and Edward.
But all the other major parts of the story explored in this production keep to the emotional heart of the book.
Visually, the set is as simple as can be, but it still works. A screen at the back of the stage, like a cinema, subtly changes images as Jane moves from one part of her life to another.
There is also some intimacy with being at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant because it's small and therefore you feel so much closer to the actors on stage, it makes the energy of the performers feel more intense.
For those who already love Jane Eyre, there is plenty here that will feel familiar. For those coming to the story for the first time, this musical provides an accessible introduction into Jane's world. It's a fantastic adaptation that should definitely not be missed.
Jane Eyre A Musical is on at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 24 October.
Review: Sunita Jaswal Photos: Victoria Davies