The fiercely independent and utterly captivating Jane Eyre is heading to Norwich Theatre Royal between 20 – 24 in Northern Ballet’s stunning production. We caught up with the Dominquie Larose who’s stepping into Jane’s iconic shoes (or should we say ballet slippers!).
Jane Eyre is such an iconic literary character. What were your first thoughts when you found out you would be portraying her in Northern Ballet’s production?
I was truly thrilled to learn that I would have the opportunity to play Jane this time around, for several meaningful reasons. First, I had the privilege of being part of the creation of this ballet in 2016, which was an incredibly exciting experience, as it marked my introduction to Cathy Marston’s brilliant work. Second, I am deeply drawn to Jane as a character. While she is often described as ‘plain,’ she is anything but. Her quiet strength, resilience, and generosity shine vividly through the choreography, making her an inspiring and multifaceted role to embody.
How did you prepare to embody Jane Eyre, both as a character and as a dancer?
To prepare for the role, I am currently reading the book, which has been an incredibly enriching experience. While I’ve watched the movie each time we’ve performed the ballet, this is the first time I’m immersing myself in the original text. I also plan to revisit the film adaptation and review videos of the original cast, as well as the various interpretations by other casts, both at Northern Ballet and at companies who have performed the ballet around the world. This allows me to study different nuances and perspectives, helping me discover how best to portray Jane’s story in a way that feels authentic to me. It’s also been invaluable to have been part of the ballet’s creation and to have listened to Cathy Marston articulate her vision so deeply during that process—it’s a foundation I continually draw upon.
Were there any particular scenes or moments in the ballet that you found especially challenging or rewarding to perform?
We are still in the early stages of learning the choreography, so it’s a bit too soon to pinpoint which sections will be particularly challenging. However, I can already tell there are some truly beautiful pas de deux that I’m excited to explore. One moment I’m especially looking forward to is dancing the final pas de deux, where Rochester is blind. The music in this section is incredibly powerful and deeply moving, which adds an extra layer of emotion to the choreography. It’s such a poignant conclusion to their story, and I can’t wait to bring that depth and intensity to life through both movement and music.
The story of Jane Eyre involves themes like resilience, independence, and love. How do these themes influence your performance?
Themes like resilience, independence, and love profoundly influence my performance because they are at the core of who Jane is—both as a character and as a woman. One of the great challenges of portraying characters who feel so ‘real’ is that they are far more complex than mystical or fantastical figures. Jane, for instance, is deeply in love, but her journey to fully accept her feelings is fraught with internal and external struggles. From a young age, we see her independence and strong will, qualities that were not always celebrated in her time. Yet it’s precisely this resilience and quiet defiance of societal expectations that make her such a rewarding character to embody. Her strength, her vulnerability, and her humanity all combine to create someone who feels incredibly authentic and inspiring.
If you could speak to Charlotte Brontë, what would you ask her about Jane Eyre or her vision for the character?
I think I would ask Charlotte Brontë how much of herself she saw in Jane when creating the character. Given that Charlotte had to publish Jane Eyre under a male pseudonym, it’s fascinating that she crafted such a strong-willed and independent female protagonist. It makes me wonder if Jane is, in some ways, the person Charlotte wished she could be—a reflection of her own aspirations, courage, and resilience in the face of societal constraints. It would be incredible to know how much of Jane’s journey is rooted in Charlotte’s own experiences.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production of Jane Eyre?
I hope audiences leave the theatre feeling deeply moved and perhaps even inspired to push past the boundaries they may face in their own lives. At its core, this story speaks to the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit, and I hope it reminds people of the profound power of love—how it can help us endure, overcome, and transform. My greatest wish is for the audience to walk away with a sense of hope, and something deeply felt in their hearts.
What are you most looking forward to about performing in Norwich?
Coming back to Norwich often feels like returning home. I’ve visited so many times, especially since the company has performed here twice a year on several occasions. The audience here is always incredibly warm and welcoming, and I have some very dear friends who live in Norwich—plus, who could resist a macaroon from one of the local cafés? I’m particularly excited to be returning in the spring, when I can enjoy the beautiful little parks by the theatre and take in the fresh air. It’s always such a lovely and relaxing part of the visit.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
