Ballet, books and music

Northern Life magazine features the return of Northern Ballet's Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre is set to a score of original compositions and existing work compiled and arranged by composer Philip Feeney. Sets and costumes are designed by Patrick Kinmonth and lighting is designed by Alastair West, whose recent credits include Northern Ballet’s Casanova.

Cathy Marston said: “The Brontë’s stories are inspiring to translate into dance because of their intense emotional journeys for the protagonists, the backdrop of landscape and elemental forces that seem to amplify these emotions, and in the case of Jane Eyre particularly, the range of wonderful soloist roles that add texture, depth, and warmth to the central narrative.”

Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director at Northern Ballet said: “What do we all love about Jane Eyre? Her resilience, determination and steadfast knowledge of who she is as she navigates a life filled with turmoil. Combined with her love story with Mr Rochester this story is perfect to be told through ballet, and in our Jane Eyre the dancing, sets, costumes and music fully immerse you in Jane’s life. There is so much for any dancer to work with to encapsulate the layered characters and narrative created by Charlotte Brontë and even more for an audience member to enjoy in this beautiful retelling by Cathy Marston”.

The Telegraph and Argus reports that Haworth bookshop Wave of Nostalgia has been revealed as a regional finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year.

Wave of Nostalgia located in Haworth is among nine other finalists across the North of England named in the category, as part of The British Book Awards 2025. (Molly Court)

Yesterday American Songwriter marked the anniversary of the release of Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights.

On February 17, 1978, Kate Bush released her debut album, The Kick Inside. It featured the songs “Oh To Be In Love,” “Kite,” and her No. 1 U.K. hit, “Wuthering Heights,” among other great tracks. She stood out for her imaginative lyrics and imagery, as well as for her unique vocal style. The Kick Inside heralded the coming of Bush’s spectacular talent. (Lauren Boisvert)