Photo Flash: First Look at World Premiere of Northern Ballet's JANE EYRE

Join one of literature's most iconic heroines on a journey of courage, romance and tragedy with the World Première tour of Northern Ballet's JANE EYRE. Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë and performed during the 200th anniversary of her birth, Northern Ballet will bring this beautiful love story to life at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 10 - 11 June 2016. Tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Orphaned at a young age and cruelly treated by her Aunt, Jane Eyre is a plain but intelligent child who grows up knowing little kindness. Sent away to a charitable school, Jane later accepts a position as a Governess at Thornfield, a gentleman's manor whose master is the dark and impassioned Mr Rochester. In spite of their social differences, an unlikely bond grows between the pair but as their romance develops, it becomes clear that Mr Rochester has a hidden past that threatens to ruin them both. 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 is choreographed by internationally acclaimed British dance maker Cathy Marston who previously created the Dickens classic A Tale of Two Cities for Northern Ballet in 2008.

For this new production, Cathy has brought onboard composer Philip Feeney to compile and arrange a score for Jane Eyre made up of original compositions and existing work. In addition, Patrick Kinmonth, who has worked closely with photographer Mario Testino and has designed over 20 theatrical productions, will design the sets and costumes. Completing the creative team, Alastair West, whose Northern Ballet credits include Giselle, I Got Rhythm, A Christmas Carol and The Architect, will design the lighting.

Cathy Marston said: 'Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre was a novel far ahead of its time and when I think of Jane I feel inspired by images of her passionate but 'impossible' relationship with Mr Rochester, the fire and emotional destruction symbolised by Bertha Mason - the infamous 'woman in the attic', the contrasting icy moorland through which she seems to run from one chapter of her life to another, and of course her final reunion with Rochester. But these images only touch the surface of a character and a book that continue to provoke and move - generation after generation, re-read after re-read.'

Northern Ballet's Artistic Director David Nixon OBE said: 'Having already adapted Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights it seems appropriate that Northern Ballet should also immortalise her sister's Jane Eyre through dance and doing so in the bicentennial anniversary of Charlotte Brontë's birth makes it all the more special.'

Northern Ballet will also perform its new children's ballet TORTOISE & THE HARE in Wolverhampton on 11 June (performances at 12.30pm and 2.30pm).

Photos by Edward Kauldhar

To post a comment, you must register and login.