What a fantastic evening as we headed to the theatre in the round last night to watch the New Vic Theatre and Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough co-production of Jane Eyre. In the words of Jane Eyre herself, you would be an automaton to watch this production and not be enthralled by it.
The plot stays true to Brontë’s literary masterpiece about the revolutionary-spirited Jane, who has no respect for authority and those who don’t meet her high standards. Jane is considered a plain and simple girl by those around her and yet she will forever go down in history as a literary heroine due to her tenacity, strength and her determination not to compromise her beliefs because of her gender. Her love of Mr Rochester, his love for her and the turmoil that his marriage to Bertha creates for Jane tests her courage and strength. However, our heroine is not defeated!
You’ll have to head to the #NewVic though to find out what happens as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. You won’t be disappointed!
The #NewVic explains that it’s production of this literary classic aims to present Jane Eyre to a fresh audience while staying entirely true to the original’s revolutionary spirit. Using actor-musicians, playful multi-rolling and a host of 19th century pop hits, it is an accessible version for all to enjoy. And enjoy the audience did. As a huge fan of Jane Eyre, it was fantastic to see a cross-section of ages enjoying the production in the audience. All of whom seemed as enthralled as my mum and I.
The performance, with its seamless changes of scene, was riveting. This is no mean feat for such as small cast of six. However, this highly professional company played their parts brilliantly, transitioning smoothly into numerous characters throughout. The well-chosen, enjoyable songs were integrated into the scenes of the play and enhanced the enjoyment further. The time flew as we felt entirely absorbed by the performance. I would highly recommend this fantastic production, which can be credited with doing a huge justice to a much-loved classic.
How much do the tickets cost?
The New Vic Theatre is an intimate venue, where you can park on it’s car park for a small cost. The theatre has several bars where you can enjoy refreshments or a meal before and during the interval.
Tickets: £18.50-£27.50. Concessions: £2.00 off; Group discounts: £2.00 off for ten people or more, Four Friends for £76 (valid Monday – Friday performances only). Under 16s Go Free, Under 26s Go Free (valid Monday – Friday performances only)
How do I book tickets to watch Jane Eyre?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show is running until Saturday, 28 May 2022.
Socially distanced performances are on:
Tuesday, 17 May at 7:30pm
Thursday, 26 May at 2:15pm
Interpreted Performances
Captioned: 7:30 pm on Tuesday, 24 May
Audio described: 2:15pm Saturday, 28 May
Where is The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £1.50 charge after 6pm on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About the New Vic
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Keeping you safe
They want you to have the best experience possible when you visit the New Vic. To help you enjoy your visit, they’ve put some measures in place to help all visitors feel as comfortable as possible.
- Please feel free to wear a face covering whilst at the New Vic, when walking around the venue and during the performance.
- They ask all guests to be mindful of fellow audience members when at the theatre, who may prefer to continue to keep a distance from other theatregoers whilst in their spaces.
- They have hand sanitiser stations positioned around the theatre, free to use by all. They are maintaining their high levels of cleanliness throughout the building, ensuring all spaces and contact surfaces are regularly sanitised.
Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid19 prior to your visit, they politely ask that you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their Box Office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets.
Review by: Rowena Jukes
You may also want to read this:
Review: Happy Jack by John Godber Company at The New Vic Theatre
Review: Same Time, Next Year at the New Vic Theatre
Review: Marvellous at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
Photo Credit : New Vic Theatre/Tony Bartholomew
8 comments
I bet this was amazing to see, I would love to see this as definitely something I would love. I am now hoping they tour to my area as I really want to know how this ends
Hope you do get a chance to see this production
I would love to see this play, it sounds really exciting. I think that the prices are very good as well, and I would definitely pay that to see it. I like the idea of a Jane Eyre musical, especially adapted to suit younger audiences as well.
It is a fabulous play to watch live
I’m going to be controversial here and say I’m not the biggest fan of classic literary works. But adapting it for a play may make it more accessible and and easier thing to engage with x
I agree, making old literary work accessible is so important
I love Jane Eyre so this is definitely up my street , I think it would be such a lovely show to watch .
It would be indeed