Charlie Burn and Ashley Gilmour will lead the UK premiere of Jane Eyre, the musical by John Caird and Paul Gordon, at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 28 August to 24 October 2026.
Burn will take on the title role of Jane, opposite Gilmour as Rochester, in a new staging of the musical based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.
The production will be co-directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winner John Caird and Broadway star Megan McGinnis, with further casting and creative team details to be announced.
Charlie Burn said “I’m so honoured to be joining the cast of the UK premiere of Jane Eyre, a sweepingly beautiful musical that brings one of literature’s most beloved female icons to life. The opportunity to work with theatrical royalty like John Caird, Paul Gordon and Megan McGinnis is incredibly special, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Ashley Gilmour added “It’s hugely exciting to join the cast of this wonderful musical, marking the first time it has been seen on UK stages. Playing alongside the great Charlie Burn is set to be a thrill and I can’t wait to bring this epic story to the intimate setting of Southwark Playhouse, Elephant.”
The musical charts Jane’s journey from a mistreated orphan to an independent woman, centring on her complex relationship with the enigmatic Rochester at Thornfield Hall.
Themes of love, identity, morality and resilience are explored through Caird and Gordon’s score, bringing Brontë’s gothic romance to life for a contemporary audience.
Originally premiering in Toronto in 1996, Jane Eyre later transferred to Broadway in 2000 where it received five Tony Award nominations.
This new production marks its first major staging in the UK and forms part of the show’s 30th anniversary year, in partnership with original Canadian producers David and Hannah Mirvish.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
