It’s a treasure of English literature, a romantic masterpiece riven with fierce sensual, political and psychological torrents.

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is a feminist classic – the tale of a poor orphan’s transformation into a strong, independent woman who won’t be cowed, wooed or marry without love. Bold in its treatment of sexuality, religion, morality and the class structure, it was way ahead of its time.

Full credit, then, to the Oxford Playhouse 17/25 Young Company for not only having the confidence to tackle one of the best-loved works in English literature, but to pull it off with such aplomb.

A measure of how well this slick production, faultlessly directed by Jo Noble, worked, was that, after a few short moments, I forgot I was watching an amateur youth production at all. The acting was polished, the set imaginative and the ensemble pieces beautifully choreographed (extraordinary credit to designer Anna Lewis, movement director Emma Webb and music director Matt Winkworth).

This was no slavish run-through; it was a brooding, haunting production, framed by a skeletal, mouldering building – variously Gateshead Hall, Lowood School and Thornfield – each haunted by the tormented figure of the insane Bertha, pacing her cell-like room in her blood-red skirt, a coiled spring of passion and anger, played with graceful abandon by Jessica Algie. Against this tense backdrop, Jane (the fabulous Zoe Denton), embarks on her roller coaster emotional ride. Until, that is, the interval.

When we return it is all different. The cast have all swapped places. While initially disorientating it proves a fun device and a great way for the actors to get their teeth into new roles.

Alannah Burns was excellent as Act two’s more mature, frowning, righteously indignant Jane.

Credit must also go to both Mr Rochesters , Patrick Anderson and Laurence Scott – Byronic aristocratic fellows both – and to his whimsical French charge, Adele – played with panache, Gallic charm and a ballerina’s elegance, by Andrea Pinendo. A definite star in the making.

Wonderful. A triumph!

TIM HUGHES

5/5