Full Cast Announced for UK Premiere of Jane Eyre Musical

Full casting has been announced for the long-awaited UK premiere of Jane Eyre, the musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel by John Caird and Paul Gordon.

The production will play Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 28 August to 24 October 2026, marking the musical’s first major UK staging in the 30th anniversary year of its original premiere.

Leading the cast will be Charlie Burn as Jane Eyre and Ashley Gilmour as Edward Rochester, bringing Brontë’s enduring story of independence, longing and buried secrets to the London stage.

They will be joined by Claire Greenway as Abbot and Grace Poole, Melad Hamidi as St John and Lord Ingram, Connor Wood as John Reed and Vicar, Jonathan Andrew Hume as Brocklehurst and Mason, Izzi Levine as Agnes, Leah, Jane’s Mother and Mary Ingram, Hannah Lindsey as Scatcherd and Bertha Mason, Isabelle Methven as Helen Burns and Bessie, Gemma Page as Reed and Fairfax, and Eve Shanu-Wilson as Blanche and Sophie.

The roles of Young Jane and Adele will be shared by Poppy Jason and Emily-Rose Samuel.

Based on Brontë’s landmark 1847 novel, Jane Eyre follows its heroine from a harsh childhood as an orphan through to adulthood, where her arrival at Thornfield Hall brings her into the orbit of the enigmatic Rochester. As Jane seeks love, freedom and self-determination, she is drawn into a world shaped by class, desire, secrecy and betrayal.

The musical will be co-directed by John Caird and Megan McGinnis. Caird is best known for adapting and co-directing the original stage production of Les Misérables in the West End and on Broadway, and recently directed the acclaimed stage adaptation of Spirited Away at the London Coliseum. McGinnis’ Broadway credits include Beauty and the Beast, Little Women and Beetlejuice.

The creative team also includes Georgina Lamb as choreographer, Morgan Large as set and costume designer, Andrew Johnson as sound designer, James Whiteside as lighting designer, Ben Kubiak as musical director and supervisor, and Sarah-Jane Price as casting director.

Jane Eyre first premiered in Toronto in 1996 before opening on Broadway in 2000, where it received five Tony Award nominations. For its 30th anniversary year, Adam Blanshay Productions is partnering with original Canadian producers David Mirvish and Hannah Mirvish to bring the work to London.

Tickets for the UK premiere are on sale now.