Ottawa Little Theatre’s Jane Eyre: A Gothic Romance Brought to Life

The stage is simple yet complex. Multiple staircases lead in different directions, foreshadowing the movement to come and creating a sense of grandeur before the actors even take the stage. It’s an evocative setting for Ottawa Little Theatre’s latest production, an ambitious retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s 19th-century classic, Jane Eyre.

Based on Erin Shields’ adaptation, this version of Jane Eyre gives the audience a chance to hear the voices of the women who shape Jane’s life, rather than relying solely on Jane’s narration to tell the story. At its heart is a young, unwanted orphan who survives childhood against all odds and grows into a woman determined to chart her own course.

As a ward of her deceased uncle, Jane is bullied and abused by his widow and her three children before being sent away to a school for orphans. There, she encounters a fanatical religious zealot who provides only the barest necessities for survival while denying the children any semblance of human dignity.

Far from an upbeat tale, the production nevertheless keeps the audience engaged. Lauren Reisig is excellent as Jane. You feel for her, believe in her, and come to appreciate the depth of her character, despite a childhood largely devoid of experiences beyond the confines of the orphanage.

Young Jane is played by Meara Gordon, who makes a solid debut at OLT. Occasionally, the audio levels made the sung lyrics less clear than intended, a small technical issue that did little to diminish an otherwise strong performance.

One of the standout scenes comes when young Jane transitions into the adult Jane. It is poetic and beautifully executed, capturing the transformation of a feisty young girl into an intelligent, cultured woman. Jane has become a force for good, with a deep appreciation for creation and the possibilities life holds.

Three important female figures from Jane’s childhood remain with her in spirit as she takes up her position as governess at Thornfield Hall. Their voices return to her, appearing at various points as something akin to Jane’s conscience. Her aunt, Mrs Reed (Erin Hetherington), represents doubt and disapproval, openly scornful of Jane. Her former teacher, Miss Temple (Susanna Doherty), offers a nurturing, maternal voice of encouragement. And her childhood friend Helen (Laasya Kandula) lifts Jane’s spirits, teaching her the value of forgiveness and compassion. Together, these women become foundational influences, helping to shape the person Jane ultimately becomes.

I would be remiss not to mention the costume design. Dawn Fanjoy has done a superb job outfitting the cast in period dress. The costumes are top-notch, adding authenticity and visual richness to the production while enhancing the overall performance.

Jane’s young charge, Adèle, is a ray of sunshine in an otherwise sombre story. The illegitimate daughter of Lord Rochester and a former French mistress, she is brought to life by Geneviève Audet. Another OLT newcomer, Audet makes a welcome impression, and I hope we see more of her on the OLT stage.

Pulling off a weighty production like Jane Eyre with such a cohesive cast is impressive, particularly when 10 of the production’s 21 performers are making their OLT debuts. It speaks to the creative vision of director Lindsay Laviolette and her ability to mentor emerging actors while bringing them together seamlessly in this gothic romance. Beyond directing the production, Laviolette appears to be helping nurture Ottawa’s local theatre talent pool for future performances. Kudos to her for that commitment.

I also can’t overlook Josh Sparks as Edward Rochester. His acting chops have impressed in previous projects, notably his performance as Gary in OLT’s On the Farce Day of Christmas (2025), as well as in other Ottawa-based productions. Here, Sparks makes Rochester feel effortless and authentic, and his chemistry with Jane develops naturally.

At 150 minutes, Jane Eyre is longer than many OLT productions, but the story moves along well, keeping the audience immersed in Jane’s world.

Ultimately, Jane is the architect of her own fate. A modern-day Jane might well channel her independence into opening a school of her own. Instead, within the conventions of her time, she embarks on the role of wife and partner. Yet this is Jane Eyre, and she lives by her own rules.

Jane Eyre runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings, with a Sunday matinee, until Saturday, November 14 at Ottawa Little Theatre.

Tickets are available through the Ottawa Little Theatre website or by calling the box office at 613-233-8948.

Photo: Maria Vartanova