By Kate Hamill based
on the novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Geordie
Brookman
State Theatre Company
South Australia
The Playhouse,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 2 June
Reviewed by Len Power
30 May 2018
When a play based on a Jane Austen novel written in 1811
begins with actors charging around on roller skates, you know you’re in for
something completely different.
Due to reduced financial circumstances following their
father’s death, three young Dashwood sisters and their widowed mother are
forced to move to a cottage on the estate of a distant relative. There the sisters experience romance,
heartbreak and love.
The State Theatre Company South Australia Ensemble production,
directed by Geordie Brookman, is a delight from start to finish. It may be quirky in its presentation but Jane
Austin purists need not be alarmed. While
very funny, the show is not just played for laughs. It really captures the manners and morals of
the period, the spirit and humour of Jane Austen’s writing and her appealing
characters.
New York City actor/playwright, Kate Hamill’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’
was one of 2016’s top ten most produced plays.
She captures the essence of the novel and Jane Austin’s style of writing
while giving it an accessible theatricality.
 |
| The Ensemble on Ailsa Paterson's set - note the ostrich feather chandelier! |
Every member of the ensemble of actors gives a terrific
performance, many in multiple roles that even require gender changes. It’s a very physical production, requiring
split second timing, comedic skills and a deep understanding of the period and
characters. Miranda Daughtry as Marianne
Dashwood and Anna Steen as Elinor Dashwood give standout performances as the
two sisters involved in romances.
 |
| From left: Anna Steen as Elinor Dashwood and Miranda Daughtry as Marianne Dashwood |
The action plays out on a beautiful period set designed by Ailsa
Patterson who also designed the fabulous costumes. The lighting design by Geoff Cobham is spectacularly
atmospheric. The choice of music by
Stuart Day and the cast works very well.
Director, Geordie Brookman’s work with the ensemble is as
close to perfection as you could get. He
gives us a truly magical theatrical experience, leading us through the charming
story with great skill, finding fun in the unlikeliest of moments and still managing
to move us emotionally at the culmination of the story.
One of the best productions seen in Canberra so far this
year, it’s not to be missed.
Photos by David James McCarthy
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on his ‘On Stage’ performing arts radio program on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 3.30pm on Artsound FM 92.7.
