Joseph Taylor Discusses His Role As Mr Rochester In Northern Ballet's Jane Eyre

In the second of our three short interviews we hear from Joseph Taylor as Mr Rochester on how he is preparing for the performances of Jane Eyre and what he most enjoys about performing in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds.

As one of literature’s most iconic heroines who goes on a journey of resilience, romance and redemption, Northern Ballet’s critically acclaimed Jane Eyre heads to Leeds Grand Theatre this spring from 14 – 22 March. Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, Northern Ballet will bring this beautiful love story to life with heart-stirring choreography and live music that captures the essence of her timeless tale.

How did you prepare to embody the complex character of Mr Rochester on stage?

I am currently re-reading Charlotte Bronte’s novel after already performing this ballet earlier on in my career. This helps me to get a better understanding of who Edward Rochester is and why he is this way. From his exterior description to his complex thoughts that are explained in tremendous langue by Brontë.

What do you hope audiences take away from your interpretation of Mr Rochester?

I hope the audience will learn that Rochester’s secrets are not kept to intentionally deceive but they are stored away from on honest place of protection and that what may have happened in his past was not a self infliction. His ability to love and care hard may not always be visible for an outsider to see but they prevail throughout this story.

What are the most physically demanding aspects of dancing as Mr Rochester?

Jane herself is on stage far more than Rochester, she barely leaves the stage during the second act as her story unfolds towards its climax. Having said this I particularly remember the second act being hugely challenging on stamina as the story continues at pace.

How do you balance the intensity of Mr Rochester's character with the technical precision required in ballet?

The partnering style of Cathy Marston relies a lot on counter balance of weight with your partner and being able to use each other in and out of lifts. This requires a harmonious understanding with your partner to be able to allow the movement to speak for its self and then we can add on top the required narrative whether that’s a submission of emotion or frantic fight

What would you say to someone new to ballet to encourage them to see Jane Eyre?

I see Jane Eye as physical theatre production or a silent play told through dance. Not your traditional classical tutu but a modern way of bringing a classic story to life through the medium of art. It pushes the boundaries of where narrative ballet is in the 21st century.

What are you most looking forward to about performing Jane Eyre in Northern Ballet’s home city of Leeds?

We always have a great fan base in Leeds and the Leeds grand theatre is such a beautiful venue. It feels so fitting for the ballet to be performed in Yorkshire so close to where the Brontes grew up and took inspiration for their timeless novels.

Northern Ballet have been performing in Nottingham for years. What do you most enjoy about the iconic city?

Nottingham theatre royal is a beautiful emerald theatre which isn’t too grand in size which makes performing there a more intimate experience. You can feel the audience on the ride with you which you don’t get in all of our tour venues.

What do you most look forward to about performing at Sadler’s Wells in London?

Sadlers wells is always one of the highlights of our tour. The huge stage allows us to dance freely and instinctively. The audience is always so appreciative and there is always a great mix of individuals from within our industry eager to support.

Dreda Blow as Jane and Javier Torres as Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre. Photo Caroline Holden

Jane Eyre will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on Friday 14 March before touring to Nottingham Theatre Royal,Sheffield Lyceum Theatre and London’s Sadler’s Wells, finishing with a five-day run at Norwich Theatre Royal from the 20 May. All venues will offer an audio-described performance to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments.

Visit northernballet.com to find out more and book tickets.

Jane Eyre was originally premièred by Northern Ballet in May 2016 and nominated for a South Bank Sky Arts Award in 2017. Jane Eyre is choreographed by internationally acclaimed British dance maker Cathy Marston whose recent credits include Snowblind for Atlanta Ballet and The Cellist for Ballet Zürich in 2023.
It is set to a score of original compositions and existing work compiled and arranged by composer Philip Feeney. Sets and costumes are designed by Patrick Kinmonth and lighting is designed by Alastair West, whose recent credits include Northern Ballet’s Casanova