Strong performances enhance this Brontë classic

Olivia Cunningham as Jane Eyre. Photo courtesy of Steve Vent.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, performed at The Priory Theatre, Kenilworth, from 14 – 21 February 2026. Directors: Ashley Hirons and Emma Marshall.

Review by Charles Essex.

The full house for the opening night reflects the enduring popularity of this story of female vulnerability in Victorian England.  It follows the journey of Jane (Olivia Cunningham) from being a 10-year-old orphan ungraciously taken in by an aunt, through a poor boarding school to become a governess and beyond.  A simple addition of a smock or wrap-around skirt allowed Jane to be different ages.

Olivia gave a terrific performance as Jane at all stages and ages.  Her bio in the programme said she “hopes to continue acting in the future”.  Judging from the reception she received at the curtain call, it was clear many in the audience felt likewise, as must The Priory players.  Olivia portrayed a range of emotions from fear and loneliness to joy and expectation.  She projected well and conveyed the intensity and nuance of Jane’s feelings in every situation. 

Helen Le Poiden, Olivia Cunningham and Meg Cubitt (lying). Photo courtesy of Steve Vent.

Henri West took the roles of several unpleasant characters in Jane’s life.  Firstly, as the spoilt and bullying cousin, and then as the northern fire-and-brimstone vicar and owner of the school Mr Brocklehurst, and later the brother of Bertha, the mad woman in the attic. He was also Jane’s cousin, thwarted in his hopes to marry her. Henri slipped seamlessly into the different roles. 

Karl Smith developed the character of Mr Rochester convincingly over the course of the play from moody and aloof, with conceited entitlement, to a man desperate to convince Jane of his love for her.  Several women played key roles in Jane’s life as she grew.  Helen L Poiden was the vindictive aunt and the kindly school teacher and Jessica Weale was the friendly servant Bessie and the sneeringly snobbish Blanche.  Meg Cubitt was ideally cast as Jane’s gentle school friend Helen, always espousing kindness and forgiveness before her premature death, and Adèle Varens, the child for whom Jane became governess. Meg gave Adèle a joyful enthusiasm and energy. 

Olivia Cunningham and Karl Smith. Photo courtesy of Steve Vent.

The original book contained 38 chapters and was published in three separate sections.  This inevitably means any adaptation runs the risk of being overly long if true to the story, and this version of Jane Eyre was no exception.  It could have been trimmed in several places but The Priory cast and crew must be complimented on this first-rate production.

For tickets: https://www.priorytheatre.co.uk/book or call Ticket Source on 0333 666 3366.