Jane Eyre by The Shanghai ballet Company at The Coliseum

This is only available for 4 more performances so if you get a chance go grab a seat for this interesting and sensual take on the well-known classic.

A bold choice has been made to place Bertha front and centre in this production contrasting the passionate and physical relationship she shares with Rochester and the innocent, graceful one he shares with Jane. Because of this focus on Bertha the story starts with Jane arriving at Thornfield Hall and quickly dashes through the rest of the story.

The first half is beautiful paced and I fell instantly in love with the costumes (especially in the ball scene) Fan Xiaofeng as Bertha is a wonder, sensual and controlled she frames and haunts the scenes between Jane and Rochester (along with, what appears to be the wet Japanese girl from the Ring which is never explained apparently this is Helen Burns the childhood friend who dies). Jane is dressed in a pinafore like a school girl at the beginning but her costumes mature throughout the production.

The second half seemed less polished. Some of this was because of the music, by choosing recognisable pieces such as Clair de Lune and Adagio air on the G string it was a little jarring and felt more like these were rehearsal music choses rather than suiting the mood and attitude that the action suggested however the act is saved by the excellent Rivers scenes which are amazing and especially St John Rivers who, I always liked in the books, but is excellent in this production and I overheard some ladies discussing how they were totally rethinking his character.

The Finale is a little… odd. I’m not sure that they were trying to achieve with it. Over all it is an excellent and interesting production which blends contemporary ballet moves with beautiful Victorian costumes. Personally I would look into getting an original score for this but otherwise an enjoyable evening and excellent performances. I would see it again and will look out for this company touring again.