Breathing life into Bronte

Those who love the novel Jane Eyre will no doubt love the peek into the turbulent heart of its heroine that is Shared Experience's feisty, fast-paced adaptation. The great thing is that those with better taste will too, as Polly Teale's reworking moves mountains to find throbbing life in this turgid classic.

First presented in 1997, the production's well-documented central gimmick is presenting Bertha Mason, the mad wife in Mr Rochester's attic, as the repressed alter-id of plain, pragmatic Jane.

But the raging of Myriam Acharki as Bertha is best when it's atmospheric, accompanying a production that seems swept along by the energy of Jane's internal struggle. The few moments when Bertha is released from captivity to crawl and hiss about the stage are, if anything, low points.

Instead, what makes this production is Monica Dolan's wonderful central performance. The wearisome wallflower of the novel comes to life here as a model of northern common sense with a warm well of personality.

James Clyde's heartthrob act as Mr Rochester is a little laughable, but my lady companion assured me he did the business, and the chemistry between the two leads was undeniable.

Around them, a versatile company fills in the minor roles with playful exuberance. Three hours of Brontë fly by. How often does that happen?

Until 29 July (0870 060 6632).

Jane Eyre