'This fast-moving account of literary fame satisfies'

Publishers' Weekly announces the publication of Graham Watson's excellent The Invention of Charlotte Brontë in the US in August.

Literary scholar Watson explores in his vivid debut biography the mystery and sensation that surrounded Charlotte Brontë. He begins with an account of how literary London was gripped by the publication of Jane Eyre—Brontë released the book under the male pseudonym Currer Bell, but those in the know, including novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, were privy to rumors that Bell was a woman. Watson details how Gaskell ferreted out Bell’s real identity through mutual contacts and arranged a meeting with Brontë, beginning a yearslong correspondence that would prove foundational in the creation of the Brontë mystique. Piecing together letters collected from Brontë’s friends, family, and publishers, Watson deftly shows how the painfully introverted Brontë manipulated anecdotes from her “comfortless childhood” into “a story of self-justification and self-glorification honed over years.” Brontë died during a difficult pregnancy in 1855, just five years after she and Gaskell met. Her death led to a scramble among her friends to profit from their proximity to her and touched off conflicts over how best to shape the narrative of her life. Watson masterfully covers the contentious biography Gaskell wrote, which she had to rewrite twice to placate those upset about their portrayal. This fast-moving account of literary fame satisfies. 

Norwich Evening News reviews Northern Ballet's Jane Eyre giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary choreography and imaginative sets make the Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre a compelling retelling of the classic love story.

The ballet still feels fresh nearly a decade after it was first performed by the company in 2016.

This captivating adaptation of the famous Charlotte Brontë novel combines elements of gothic mystery with romance and passion.  

The prologue throws the audience straight into the narrative with Jane tormented by figments of her imagination – represented by male dancers – before collapsing and being discovered by St. John Rivers.

The story then takes us through Jane’s life, from her unhappy upbringing as an orphan in her wealthy aunt’s household and later as a schoolgirl enduring the rigid regime at Lowood Institution.

At the end of the first act, Jane has taken a position as governess at Thornfield Hall where she meets and falls in love with her employer, Mr Rochester.

The second act develops the love story between the couple – but Jane’s happiness turns to heartbreak when Mr Rochester’s wife, a mad woman who he tries to keep hidden – appears on their wedding day.

In her despair, Jane flees the house and – taking the audience in full circle to the opening – she runs across the desolate moors until collapsing and being rescued by St. John Rivers.

As with the novel, Jane and Mr Rochester are happily reunited in the final act.

Music performed live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia - along with special effects, lighting and masterful choreography by Cathy Marston - helps the dancers to skilfully convey the story’s complex emotions. (Derin Clark)

Offaly Life reports on some local Brontë Group members who recently travelled to Yorkshire.

Members of the Banagher Brontë Group were in exalted company last week when they met Queen Camilla in Yorkshire, England.

James Scully and Nicola Daly of the Group travelled over for the official opening of the Brontë Birthplace in Thornton, a duty which was performed by the Queen.“Thornton is a village between Haworth and Bradford in Yorkshire,” explained James, when speaking afterwards with the Tribune. “Both Myself and Nicola were invited to attend the ceremonies (at short notice due to security surrounding the event) but we were allowed to meet the monarch at close quarters, chat with her and give a resumé of the strong association between Banagher and the Brontë family. Queen Camilla is a very keen Brontë admirer and was surprised at the detail and strength of the link between the Bells of Banagher and the Brontës of Haworth.”At the end of the official proceedings, James and Nicola presented a small sculpture to be displayed in the birthplace. The piece was designed by Helen Conneely of Celtic Roots Studio, Ballinahown, and is in bog oak depicting the ancient Irish legend of the Salmon of Knowledge.Moves are afoot to foster exchange visits between groups from Banagher and Thornton. Nigel West, a leading member of the Thornton project, has a direct genealogical link with the Bell family of Hill House in Banagher (now Charlotte’s Way B&B, run by Nicola). Nigel has been pivotal to all that has happened to date bringing the two towns closer together.The official opening took place last Thursday, May 15, 210 years after the Brontë family moved to Thornton in May 1815. The Brontë Birthplace is the house where Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne Brontë were born.

The Queen was greeted at the old butcher’s shop entrance, where she was gifted a poem and posy by two children volunteers and was welcomed by current and former committee members, patrons and supporters.

In the scullery, the Queen joined local school children taking part in an educational activity inspired by the “Be More Brontë” initiative. The children shared their interpretations of what it means to Be More Brontë — from being bold and creative to pushing through life’s challenges with resilience and imagination.

Upstairs in “Charlotte’s Room,” which is now used as one of the building's overnight stay bedrooms, the Queen was warmly greeted by Nigel West, along with James and Nicola.

Chair of the Brontë Birthplace committee, Katharine Barnett, said the house is no longer “just a place of literary history — it is a living, breathing space filled with creativity, education, and community pride.” The General Manager of the Brontë Birthplace said the committee and volunteers had “worked tirelessly to restore and reimagine the house”, and it was special to share it with the Queen, the local community and Brontë lovers. She said the historic day was made possible thanks to the generous support of Bradford City of Culture 2025, the Community Ownership Fund, the Rural England Prosperity Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund and “the passion of over 700 community shareholders, volunteers, and friends.” (Derek Fanning)