Five questions with Jonathan Andrew Hume

Having starred in some of the biggest shows in West End history, this talented actor now stars in the new musical Jane Eyre.

Summary

• Jonathan Andrew Hume stars in Jane Eyre at Southwark Playhouse
• His other theatre credits include Hamilton; Come From Away and Guys & Dolls
• He stars in Jane Eyre alongside Charlie Burn and Ashley Gilmour

Jonathan Andrew Hume was recently seen on stage as George Washington in Hamilton, but this is just one of many impressive credits to his name including being a part of the original cast of Come From Away. He tells London Theatre Magazine why he can't wait to get stuck into his latest venture, Jane Eyre.

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Who do you play in Jane Eyre?

I play two roles in the show: Brocklehurst, who is head of the school that young Jane [attends], as she leaves her home and begins her journey. He shapes the structure that society is asking young Jane to conform to, which later in the show she gets to break away from. He’s this towering inferno of a person. I also play Mason, who is Rochester’s friend and the brother of someone who I’m not going to mention now, as I don’t want to give away any spoilers! When we first meet him, he seems to be this nice, jovial soul, but later in the show he has a moment that shakes things up completely. I’m looking forward to that moment, and I think [writer] John Caird might actually have to keep a lid on some of the drama that I want to put into it!

Why do you think the novel works as a musical?

Jane is the protagonist but also the narrator of the piece. The ensemble, as well as Charlie [Burn, who plays adult Jane], are all the voice of Jane Eyre. So there are parts where the narrative is told by myself, or by somebody else. It really gets the audience to sit in as the character of Jane and go on that journey with her. The book is written from Jane’s point of view, so we can all be Jane and experience these things that happen in her life.

What can we expect from the music?

We’re looking at something a bit more traditional in terms of musical theatre, leaning towards a Les Misérables or a Phantom of the Opera style, but still with a modern feel to it. It’s a beautiful score. With John’s history with Les Misérables [as original co-director, alongside Trevor Nunn], he really knew the style of singers that they wanted for this piece.

What has been your career highlight to date?

It’s so hard to choose! With Come From Away, getting to create that show was very special. It was the first time I’ve worked on a show from the very beginning. I’m always referring back to “what would the people of Gander do?” Guys & Dolls was absolutely phenomenal. To stand on that stage and play Nicely-Nicely Johnson in that creative arena, in the round, was fantastic. I’ve just finished playing George Washington in Hamilton — and it was on my bucket list! I didn’t think I’d get to it so early on, I thought I’d maybe be doing it 10 years from now, but I’m so grateful I was given the chance to make the role my own.

If you could give a character in the show one piece of advice, what would it be?

Run, Jane, run!

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This article first appeared in the September 2026 issue of London Theatre Magazine.