THE KEIGHLEY Playhouse celebrates the 200th anniversary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth next week.

The amateur actors will present Constance Cox’s stage adaptation of Charlotte’s most critically acclaimed and highly successful novel.

The theatre group describes Jane Eyre, performed from Monday to Saturday, May 2 to 7, as a story of courage, fortitude and perseverance.

A spokesman said: “Jane Eyre tells the personal struggle of a young woman, who maintains a separate identity and independence in the suffocating pressures of her culture.

“Each setting and situation that she encounters, denotes a phase in her personal progress, teaching her and preparing her for the next experience.”

After being abandoned and without family, Jane is forced to support herself and learn to survive through dangerous times set in Victorian England.

After meeting the dark, sardonic Mr. Rochester, Jane falls in love and her feelings are reciprocated.

However, their union is challenged when Jane discovers a long-hidden secret and she is forced to take leave - but her love for Rochester is not so easily forgotten.

Mike Boothroyd, director of Jane Eyre, said: “It’s a journey of a woman's independence, strength and of the clash between morals and passion.

“Through adversity, harsh conditions and determination Jane’s life becomes a battle in a man’s world.

“Mysterious secrets and a brooding haunted man with a dark past wrapped in a misty atmosphere combines mystery, romance, drama and tragedy.”

The Keighley Playhouse presentation of Jane Eyre is described as a story so powerful, the audience’s weary hearts may faint for rest.

Mike added: “Jane Eyre is undoubtedly, one of the greatest works of English fiction that centres on a love story aflame with passion and yet, madness. It's difficult to imagine a better gothic romantic story.

“Something nasty is lurking in the attic, which must be overcome, before the lovers can enjoy a happy ending.

“If ever it was meant to be, then this tale of true love is on fire. It could burn the house down!

The cast includes Dale Chadwick, Deborah Mouat, Beth Welch, Lynne Howell, Harry Rundle, Danielle Stephenson, Stephanie Laycock, Martha Edwards and Johnny Socha.

The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charlotte Brontë was celebrated last Thursday with a host of events in Thornton – where Charlotte was born – and Haworth.

• Performances of Jane Eyre begin at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets cost £6 and £7. Call 07599 890769 to book tickets.