Jane Eyre in Birmingham

A new production of Polly Teale's Jane Eyre opens today, May 5, in Birmingham, UK:

The Crescent Theatre Company presents
Jane Eyre
by Polly Teale
Sat 5th - Sat 12th May 2012 at 7.45pm in The Ron Barber Studio (no performance Monday 7th)
Matinees: Sun 6th & Sat 12th at 2.45pm

Orphaned as a child, Jane Eyre is sent by her cruel Aunt Reed to the bleak Lowood School. On securing a position as governess at Thornfield Hall, Jane meets its enigmatic master Edward Rochester. Jane soon finds herself falling for Rochester, unaware that he harbours a terrible secret.

This version of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel has been innovatively adapted and by Shared Experience's artistic director Polly Teale. Central to the play is Teale's exploration of the idea that Bertha Mason, Rochester's first wife, is a manifestation of Jane's passionate inner self. The beauty of the play is that Teale manages to create a thrilling piece of drama whilst remaining faithful to the plot of the novel.

The cast have set up a blog to record their experiences during the rehearsal of this fascinating play see the Jane Eyre Blog.