Kingston Theatre | Until 24 October 2026
We caught Lily Dyble’s new production of Jane Eyre at the Rose in Kingston this week, and it’s the best stage version of the book we’ve seen. It finishes on 24 October, so here’s why it’s worth getting to before then.
1. Olivia Marcus as Jane
She plays her with a broad Yorkshire accent, which threw us for about five minutes and then made complete sense. This Jane says what she thinks. You believe she’d walk away from Rochester, and that’s the whole point of the story.
2. Rochester isn’t a cliché
Gabriel Akuwudike is younger and funnier than the usual glowering Rochester. Underneath, he’s clearly a bit lost. The scenes between him and Marcus are the best thing in the show.
3. The staircase
The set is basically one big black staircase lined with speakers that the cast keep moving around. One minute it’s the Red Room, the next it’s Lowood. It sounds odd, but it works, and the wedding veil scene is a proper jaw-drop moment.
4. Bertha gets a proper part
Robyn Rose-Li makes the “madwoman in the attic” a real person, which most adaptations don’t bother to do. Kate Kordel is also great doubling as horrible Aunt Reed and kindly Mrs Fairfax.
5. It’s had good reviews
All That Dazzles, West End Best Friend and North West End all gave it four stars. It’s about 2 hours 20 minutes, including the interval. The matinees are at 2.30pm today and on the 22nd and 24th, and Tuesday the 20th starts early, at 6.30pm.
Jane Eyre
Rose Theatre, 24–26 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL
Until 24 October 2026
From £31
Nearest station: Kingston