There's just something about a Mr Rochester (or Heathcliff)

The Reviews Hub has a review of Jane Eyre at Botanical Gardens, Sheffield, as adapted and directed by Emma Hodgkinson.

The play is directed by Emma Hodgkinson, who also wrote this version of Jane Eyre, and her creative vision for the piece really works. The carnival concept and ideas around escape adds an additional layer of tension to the story and keeps the audience drawn in. There were some interesting moments of movement, although it would have been good to see this throughout the show more consistently. It also would have been good if the production utilised more circus elements, considering it was set at a carnival. Kate Wragg’s set is simple but works well and is very well themed. Even though there wasn’t much set depicting different locations, this reviewer never struggled to keep up with what was happening and where, despite not having much prior knowledge of the plot. Libby Esler’s costumes are gorgeous – they fit perfectly with the time period and allow the actors to add different elements as most of them play a large number of different characters.

Faye Lord leads the cast as Jane Eyre brilliantly. She is the only person who just plays the one role and she really gives a strong performance, despite never really leaving the stage. At times, it did feel as though there was a lack of variety in the emotions she displayed but by the end of the show, the audience is definitely rooting for her. Rory Dulku makes an excellent Edward Rochester opposite her, who wouldn’t have looked out of place in Bridgerton. He is charming and his chemistry with Lord as Eyre is lovely. At times, the development of their relationship can feel a little rushed (the whole play is very pacey which, on the whole, is a good thing) but the final scene between Eyre and Rochester is captivating and heart-warming.

Benjamin Darlington gets to showcase his excellent comic timing in his various roles, whilst also having the right level of intensity as St. John Rivers. Samantha Moorhouse brings to life her numerous characters expertly and one can definitely forget that Helen Burns and Mrs Fairfax are played by the same actor. She has a strong stage presence and always had the audience in the palm of her hands. Megan Dunnico completes the cast, making her professional debut in a multitude of roles including Miss Temple, Diana Rivers and Adele. Dunnico is a fantastic character actress: her scenes playing numerous teachers were particularly funny and a joy to watch.

Heartbreak Productions’ interpretation of Jane Eyre is a great night out watching a brilliantly unique production. Will this be Jane’s greatest escape yet? You’ll have to watch the show to find out! (Jacob Bush)

The Star recommends it too.

The Yorkshire Post recommends literary-related places in Yorkshire to visit this summer.

Penistone Crag - Brontë’s Wuthering Heights

Penistone Crag played a major role in Wuthering Heights.

It is known as the Ponden Kirk Fairy Cave due to its mysterious feel and is where Cathy and Heathcliffe [sic] famously meet.

It’s known locally for being the spot where the Brontë sisters went for walks and went to write.

Literary fans looking for hotspots can take a relaxing walk in the wild nature of the Yorkshire moors, while also staying away from crowds surrounding Haworth. (Liana Jacob)

The Telegraph and Argus lists the 'Top 10 attractions that won Bradford City of Culture title' and one of them is obviously

* Haworth: The Brontë Parsonage Museum attracts visitors from around the world. Haworth holds annual steampunk and 1940s weekends and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway appeared in The Railway Children. (Emma Clayton) 

Also in The Telegraph and Argus, a forthcoming event to take place in and about Thornton:

For anyone living in the village, or indeed in Bradford, these facts will certainly be of interest, and are among others waiting to be discovered at Thornton Antiquarian Society Open Day.

The annual event, takes place on Saturday June 25th in the Methodist Church Hall, Headrow Court off Thornton Rd, and promises to hold something of interest to people of all ages.

Special focus this year will be on the women of Thornton, both collectively and individually.

Among those coming under the spotlight will be the women/children of the famous Brontë family and their servants when they lived in the village.

The event will look at the part that women played in the various aspects of life in Thornton during the 19th and 20th centuries. (Helen Mead)

A columnist from Salon writes:

I shocked my young niece recently when she asked about my favorite character in the "Harry Potter" franchise and I answered honestly: Severus Snape. Dark-haired, glowering, bookish and faithful, there's just something about a Snape. A Mr. Rochester (or Heathcliff). A Kylo Ren. A Darcy. (Alison Stine)