'Complex thoughts that are explained in tremendous langue by Brontë'

Dewsbury Reporter has an update on the Red House.

The historic Grade II Listed property served as a residential dwelling from 1660 to 1969 before being acquired by Spenborough (later Kirklees Council) and converted into a museum until its closure in 2016.

The buildings, the trust says, will now be reinstated as residential dwellings.

A post on the Red House Yorkshire Heritage Trust Facebook page said:

“Following discussions with the new owner, RHYHT can affirm that they are mindful of the site's historical significance and the local community's interest and fondness for it.

“The new owner has already engaged with Historic England with plans to restore and enhance the property in a manner that respects its heritage.

“We anticipate providing further updates on the development as we receive more information.”

The post added: “RHYHT remains dedicated to enlightening the public about the rich history, traditions, and heritage of this Grade II* Listed landmark.

“Follow us on our Facebook page and stay tuned for an upcoming website to learn more.”

The famous building was once the home of Charlotte Brontë’s friend Mary Taylor.

A spokesperson for the Spen Valley Civic Society, who told the Reporter Series in December 2024 that they hoped that the new owner of the Red House site would give it “the tender loving care it deserves,” said:

“We dearly hope the new owner will respect and take on board the building's historical and cultural importance, enjoy living there, and have the resources to maintain and improve it, as it deserves.” (Adam Cheshire)

Yorkshire Times interviews Joseph Taylor, Mr Rochester in Northern Ballet's Jane Eyre.

How did you prepare to embody the complex character of Mr Rochester on stage?

I am currently re-reading Charlotte Bronte’s novel after already performing this ballet earlier on in my career. This helps me to get a better understanding of who Edward Rochester is and why he is this way. From his exterior description to his complex thoughts that are explained in tremendous langue by Brontë.

What do you hope audiences take away from your interpretation of Mr Rochester?

I hope the audience will learn that Rochester’s secrets are not kept to intentionally deceive but they are stored away from on honest place of protection and that what may have happened in his past was not a self infliction. His ability to love and care hard may not always be visible for an outsider to see but they prevail throughout this story.

What are the most physically demanding aspects of dancing as Mr Rochester?

Jane herself is on stage far more than Rochester, she barely leaves the stage during the second act as her story unfolds towards its climax. Having said this I particularly remember the second act being hugely challenging on stamina as the story continues at pace.

How do you balance the intensity of Mr Rochester's character with the technical precision required in ballet?

The partnering style of Cathy Marston relies a lot on counter balance of weight with your partner and being able to use each other in and out of lifts. This requires a harmonious understanding with your partner to be able to allow the movement to speak for its self and then we can add on top the required narrative whether that’s a submission of emotion or frantic fight

What would you say to someone new to ballet to encourage them to see Jane Eyre?

I see Jane Eyre as physical theatre production or a silent play told through dance. Not your traditional classical tutu but a modern way of bringing a classic story to life through the medium of art. It pushes the boundaries of where narrative ballet is in the 21st century.

Collider recommends I Walked with a Zombie.

Jacques Tourneur's I Walked with a Zombie wasn't an immediate success upon its release in 1943, despite both the director's and producer Val Lewton's solid reputations as horror masters thanks to Cat People. The major reason behind the mixed reviews might be that the film did, and still does, feel different from the body of classic Hollywood horror at the time. Using Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre as inspiration, Tourneur's film departs from classic monster figures and even from the psychological complexity that was explored in Cat People. (Olga Artemyeva)

A contributor to The Miscellany News discusses BookTok and claims that,

On TikTok, I have found many literary fiction books that I love and find thought-provoking. It has even reignited some of the classics that are not usually read outside of English class, like “Wuthering Heights.” (Paige Hahn)

Efeminista (Spain) features Spanish writer Pilar Adón.

Narradora, poeta y traductora, Adón dice considerarse antes que nada, lectora. Aunque no había tradición literaria en su casa, desde niña se leía todo lo que había en las estanterías. Recuerda títulos como 'Jane Eyre', 'Cumbres borrascosas' o 'Sinhué el Egipcio' y la escritura llegó como "una derivación natural". (Magdalena Tsanis) (Translation)