Olivia Marcus and Gabriel Akuwudike have been cast as Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester in a new touring production helmed by Lily Dyble, winner of the 2025 Sir Peter Hall Director Award. The adaptation will open at Mercury Theatre Colchester in September 2026 before touring to major regional venues.

The production, based on the adaptation by Sally Cookson, Mike Akers, and the original company, will premiere at Mercury Theatre Colchester from 26 September to 10 October 2026. It will then tour to the Rose Theatre Kingston, Northern Stage in Newcastle, and Storyhouse in Chester.

Olivia Marcus, known for The Mirror and the Light, will play the titular role of Jane Eyre, while Gabriel Akuwudike, who appeared in Arcadia, will take on the role of Edward Rochester. The company also features Aamira Challenger, Andrea Gatchalian, Kate Kordel, Leo Wan, Millie Faraway, Oscar Adams, and Robyn Rose-Li in multiple roles.

The story follows Jane Eyre, an orphaned young woman who escapes her abusive aunt to become a governess at Rochester’s home. The production promises to explore themes of courage and facing the unknown, reflecting Dyble’s directorial approach.

Lily Dyble was selected for the prestigious 2025 Royal Theatrical Support Trust Sir Peter Hall Director Award, which supports emerging directors by enabling them to direct and tour a mid-scale regional production. The Jane Eyre tour is funded by a grant from the RTST connected to this award.

The creative team includes set designer Anna Yates, costume designer Khadija Raza, movement director Natasha Harrison, lighting designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán, composer and sound designer Joseff Harris, fight director Rachid Sabitri, intimacy director Haruka Kuroda, and casting director Helena Palmer.

Dyble commented, “What is at the very heart of Jane Eyre is courage in the face of the unknown. I’m thrilled to be delivering this story to audiences with bravery and risk, made possible by this phenomenal cast and creative team.”

Following its run at Mercury Theatre Colchester, which includes a press performance on 1 October 2026, the production visits Kingston from 13 to 24 October, Newcastle from 3 to 7 November, and Chester from 10 to 21 November.

This autumn sees a resurgence of interest in Jane Eyre adaptations on UK stages, including a contemporary musical currently playing in London.