The Brockley Jack Theatre’s anti-pantomime, Jane Eyre, is brilliantly adapted and acted but is so gloomy it may rob you of that Christmas cheer, writes Zee Gaines

The Brockley Jack Theatre presents its seasonal anti-pantomime, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

Brilliantly adapted by Polly Teale, this classic novel, first published in 1847, is condensed into a just-long-enough play, with all the realism Bronte was known for.

Orphaned at a young age, Jane Eyre finds herself at a harsh school where she fights the fate of her tuberculosis afflicted friends.

Succeeding with a brave and hard outlook, she moves to the house of the mysterious Rochester, as governess to his sickly sweet French ward, Adele.

Here, a strange woman inhabits the top of the house – rattling about and making screeching noises - but who is she and why does Rochester put up with her mad ways?

Jane is the happiest she has been (though it is very hard to tell – a smile flashes across her face now and again - but could it ever last? Of course not, prepare yourself for anguish, despair and gloom.

Pilot the dog gives the standout performance with Filip Krenus conveying loyalty, affection and lovely doggy ticks and traits and Martin Durrant is a suitably gruff and stern Rochester.

While this production is superb and the skills of cast and crew of a high standard, Jane Eyre fails to deliver on that seasonal promise.

Life is depressing enough in today’s climate without a thoroughly miserable plain Jane struggling gormlessly through hardships.

Plus, natural and simple as she is meant to be, Clare Harlow’s Jane lacks the spirit and fervour which animates her character in the novel and makes her the heroine we love and support.

A play for Jane Eyre fans only, perhaps, or literature students.

Jane Eyre at Brockley Jack Theatre until Jan 4. 7.45pm. £12/ £9. Box office 0844 847 2454.