The prospect of a new stage adaptation by playwright Frances Poet of Jane Austen’s first novel is an exciting one but ultimately this production falls a little short.
Modern twists are introduced... but it is the sheer strength of the original novel that wins out here
Modern twists are introduced to appeal to a contemporary audience but it is the sheer strength of the original novel that wins out here. The central story of the young Dashwood sisters, telling of their lives, loves and losses in Austen’s words grabs the heartstrings.
It is a co-production with Ovo Theatre of St Albans whose Adam Nichols directs, with a cast of eight, doubling up when required.
Sense and Sensibility focuses on sisters Elinor (Kirsty Findlay) and Marianne (Lola Aluko) whose world falls apart after their father dies leaving them homeless and penniless when the brother who inherits the estate fails to adhere to his promise to support them.
They both have their hearts broken by the men they love drawing very different reactions from the sisters, namely sense and sensibility. Questions abound such as the possibility of a love match in a society where men marry for fortunes and women such as the Dashwoods have no power.
Nichols’ production begins with a song and music is given a large role throughout. Scenes at the all-important balls are accompanied by groovy pop songs played in a classical orchestral style. With the inclusive casting, this seems to be wandering into the realms of Bridgerton (TV’s popular Regency bonkbuster) an entirely different take on the period to put it mildly.
Set against the contemporary lyrics however is Austen’s elegant prose, a commentary railing against a woman’s lot which is mainly given voice by the excellent Kirsty Findlay as elder sister Elinor.
Lola Aluko gives a lovely performance as younger sister, Marianne, who lets her heart rule her head. Some of the best scenes are when the two talk about their heartbreak and the men they love.
Elinor internalises her grief, Findlay even has that uptight posture of a woman unable to let go while Marianne is obsessed by her treacherous suitor. Aluko gets it just right, in love with love and made ill by heartbreak; she even rebukes Elinor for not reacting similarly.
The sisters’ pursuit of love lies at the heart of the piece and is beautifully conveyed although overall there is a lack of cohesion in bringing the piece together.
While Connor Going, who has a lovely singing voice, captures the opposing qualities of the Ferrars brothers, some interpretations vary from the novel. Colonel Brandon, originally a reserved member of the West Country squirearchy and champion of the Dashwood family, is now a more approachable Geordie (Chris Coxon).
