Review: Jane Eyre, Northern Ballet at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre?

This superb company, who differ completely in style from their counterpart, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, deliver faultless, precise performances but with just an edge which sets them apart from the more traditional dance companies.

Of course the combination of a Bronte classic and a timeless art form makes for ideal entertainment and Northern Ballet's performance of Jane Eyre certainly fits the bill.

Tragic heroine, Jane, who after an impoverished, violent childhood is sent to work for the infamous Mr Rochester, only to fall in love with her employer. However, dark secrets and clandestine deeds haunt Jane's mind. It everything as it seems?

Ballet dancers are a unique breed. Not only athletes, but artists too, they have a rare ability to combine physical strength and dramatic portrayal in order to bring a character to life and share the emotion of the role with their audience, all without uttering a single word. The key to this of course is exceptional choreography as well as talent and in this production, the work of internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Cathy Marston, stands head and shoulders above the rest, as she depicts struggle, courage and ultimately love simply through movement. The storyline is true to the original text too, so those who have not read the book will easily understand the plot and Jane Eyre devotees will not be disappointed either.

Marston's choreography has a wild, untamed and even dangerous feel to it, with her dancers expressing total abandonment even though deep down you know of course every movement is honed to perfection.

The sexual tension between Hannah Bateman as Jane and Javier Torres in the role of Rochester is tangible from the moment they meet and the chemistry between these two extraordinary dancers is evident. When they touch, you imagine sparks fly, and their partner work is intimate and effortless. Individually the duo execute the intricate choreography to perfection, while at the same time expressing a degree of musicality which only comes at a world class performance level.

A special mention must go to Antoinette Brooks-Daw whose portrayal of the young Jane is fresh and feisty and also Rachael Gillespie as Adele who is a joy to watch and captures the mischief superbly in her role as Rochester's young ward.

Pippa Moore is amusing and charming as Mrs Fairfax and in complete contrast, Victoria Sibson is manic and deranged as Bertha, Rochester's insane spouse.

Eight male dancers appear depicting Jane's darkest fears; the demons in her subconscious. Within in this largely female dominated piece, their dexterity, technique and performance skills transport the audience into the deepest corners of their own mindset, leaving in its wake a somewhat uncomfortable sense of foreboding.

Similarly the female ensemble display precision in their stylised performance in the orphanage scene.

The ballet offers a new score by Philip Feeney and the exceptional Northern Ballet Sinfonia fills the theatre with waves of wonderful sound taking the audience on a journey through music alone.

The creative team offer a perfect representation of the novel,with atmospheric lighting effects, tiered scenery which gives the illusion of depth to the stage and the rolling moors, as well as superbly ravaged costumes in muted tones, which fit seamlessly into the turbulent, brooding mood of the piece.

Northern Ballet will also perform its new children's ballet, Tortoise & The Hare on June 11 at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

For tickets to see this exquisite ballet company in action, call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk

By Alison Norton