Exclusive Q&A: John Caird on Adapting Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre for the Stage

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will” 

This five-time Tony nominated musical retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s revolutionary novel makes its UK premiere. 

A story of ambition and independence, gothic mystery and great passionate love, Jane Eyre has enchanted generations and is brought into the 21st century with this new production.  

Accompanied by an epic sweeping score, prepare to see Jane, the first feminist literary icon, like you never have before. 

Co-directed by John Caird (best known for international hit ‘Les Misérables’) and Broadway veteran Megan McGinnis, with music by Paul Gordon (‘Daddy Long Legs’). 

With Jane Eyre preparing to make its long-awaited UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, The Fan Carpet sat down with co-book writer and co-director John Caird to discuss bringing Charlotte Brontë’s literary masterpiece to the stage.

During our conversation, Caird reflects on the enduring appeal of Jane as a character, explains the production’s unique ensemble approach to narration, and discusses why intimate theatre spaces provide the perfect setting for one of English literature’s greatest love stories.

First off, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the production?

John Caird: I’m John Caird. I’m the co-book writer and co-director of Jane Eyre.

Jane Eyre is one of the great literary classics. What was it about Charlotte Brontë’s story that first spoke to you?

John Caird: I just love the character of Jane. She’s such a feisty, funny, clever and spirited young woman right from the very beginning, and watching her grow throughout the story is such a beautiful journey.

Of course, it’s also a great love story. The girl who has nothing meets the man who appears to have everything, but that’s not how it turns out. Jane ends up discovering her own strength and self-worth, while Rochester loses everything he thought defined him. It’s a wonderful reversal.

One of the production’s most unique ideas is that the ensemble all become Jane’s voice throughout the performance. Can you explain the thinking behind that?

John Caird: Because it’s an autobiographical novel, you can’t really ask one actress to sing all of the songs and deliver all of the narration—you’d simply become overwhelmed by hearing the same voice throughout.

By allowing the ensemble to speak with Jane’s voice, they share the responsibility of telling her story. They’re not literally becoming Jane herself; they’re helping to narrate her journey while she’s living it. It creates a much richer theatrical experience.

You’re bringing this production home to the UK. How does that feel?

John Caird: It’s wonderful.

We’ve got a fantastic cast, two brilliant young performers, and we’ve only just begun rehearsals, but I’m already having a wonderful time. It’s been an incredibly enjoyable process so far.

Southwark Playhouse Elephant is a wonderfully intimate venue. What excites you about staging Jane Eyre there?

John Caird: I love the space.

It’s so intimate that the audience almost become part of the performance because they’re so close to the actors. I’ve worked in huge theatres all over the world, but these smaller venues are actually my favourites because you can really share the storytelling with the audience in a much more personal way.

Jane Eyre opens at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 28 August, with press night taking place on 8 September.

Stay tuned to The Fan Carpet for more exclusive interviews from our Jane Eyre media day, including conversations with Eve Shanu-Wilson, Emily-Rose Samuel, Poppy Jason and Isabelle Methven.