by Jay Richards

Synopsis

A new musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s much loved novel.
The musical follows the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan of no consequence.

Abused by her own relations, (‘Somewhere’) Jane is eventually sent her away to Lowood School where her mistreatment and humiliation continue at the hands of the wicked schoolmaster, Mr Brocklehurst (‘Wicked Children). She finds sympathy and love in her friendships with Helen Burns, who dies tragically (‘Tomorrow In Heaven’) and Miss Temple (‘Gentle Shepherd’), a teacher at Lowood, who teaches Jane many important life lessons including forgiveness and hope. Though she excels and eventually becomes a teacher at the school, she is restless and seeks a new situation (‘Journey On, part one’). She boldly advertises, and becomes governess to a young girl - Adèle Varens, who is the ward the enigmatic Edward Rochester. Jane settles in at Thornfield and hears some guarded comments regarding strange noises in the house (‘Madness Up The Stairs’). Some months after arriving, Jane finally meets Mr Rochester, but nor before Mrs Fairfax, the Housekeeper has ensured that the house is thoroughly prepared for his return (‘The Master’s On His Way’). Though Jane is just eighteen years old, and he in his thirties, an undeniable attraction develops between the two of them, and Rochester reflects on the situation (‘This House’).

Meanwhile, Jane receives news that her Aunt Reed, with whom she lived unhappily as a child, is dying. Jane returns to Gateshead and learns from Aunt Reed on her deathbed that Jane has an uncle—John Eyre of Madiera—who wishes to adopt Jane. The letter is dated three years back, but was concealed by Aunt Reed because of her dislike for Jane. Jane finds the strength to forgive her. Aunt Reed dies and Jane returns to Thornfield, finally sure that she belongs there. Rochester introduces her to some of his acquaintances at a soireé (‘Le Papillon’), whilst below stairs, servants John and Sophie declare their love for each other (‘Simple Man’). After leading Jane to believe that he loves another, Rochester confesses his love for Jane and proposes. Jane doubts him, but finally accepts him (‘Finally Home’). Jane discovers at the wedding altar that he has a wife still living, though a lunatic. Bewildered and confused (‘What Kind Of Love’), Jane flees Thornfield in the night and is discovered cold and starving by the Rivers family—St. John, Diana, and Mary.

Under the pseudonym Jane Elliot, Jane stays on with them. St. John, a minister, offers her a teaching position at the parish school, which she accepts gratefully. After a few short months, St. John hears of a search for a runaway governess by the name of Jane Eyre. He confronts Jane who confesses the alias. He informs her that her uncle has died leaving her £20,000. She is incredulous, and proposes to divide the inheritance with her newfound family. St. John tries to persuade her to marry him and accompany him to India when he intends to pursue missionary labors (‘Missionary Wife’). She refuses him - seeing in him a self-righteousness like that of Mr Brocklehurst. When it is clear that she is still in love with Edward Rochester, he scorns her. She can see that he knows more of Mr Rochester than he has disclosed, and presses him until he tells her the distressing news of a great fire at Thornfield Hall. He tries to convince her that Mr. Rochester cannot have survived. She returns to Thornfield to find Edward (whose mad wife perished in the blaze). Though he is blind and maimed, she declares her love and they are reunited (‘Journey On, finale’).

Characters

Songs

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