Humour is laced throughout this delightful adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Managing to keep a great deal of the story in this condensed version, this is a fun and engaging show that should keep Austen fans happy.
The ensemble works well together, with the Dashwood sisters particularly well cast. The pace is kept up as we follow the journey of the family through mourning, romance, heartbreak and restored love. Interludes are used as a clever device: various individual characters make a direct address to the audience; helping to make sure we keep track of the storyline.
The sensitive direction allows smooth, efficient changes of scene, ensuring the journey of the play is easy to follow. In such a shortened version of the story, the brisk tackling of the storytelling on stage fits the action well. Some of the character interaction is deliberately over the top and this is not always successful as it can jar with the straighter elements of the piece. Despite this, there is much to recommend the show as the hour speeds by. A witty romp, it maintains the charm of Austen’s writing in a thoughtful, entertaining and enjoyable production.
Times: 24 Aug @ 1:55pm