UK Theatre Network

16 April – 8 May
Sense and Sensibility

Ending a short run of male domination at the Queen’s, Matt Hewitt’s production of Sense and Sensibility by Roger Parsley and Andy Graham introduces Jane Austen’s humorous world of Regency society complete with swooning and irrational females in empire silhouettes and dashing, eligible bachelors in pantaloons and flannel waistcoats. Norman Coates’ set depicts the elegant rooms of country and city homes of the period boasting tall white columns, clean striped furniture, floor to ceiling windows and chandeliers, all overlooked by the projection of countryside vistas and city streets framed on the back wall.

After the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Francesca Loren) and Marianne (Pam Jolley) are left in financial difficulty. Their half brother, John and wife Fanny are left the family home and the sisters, who are daughters of their father’s second wife, are left with a minor share. They move to Devon to stay with their distant Aunt Jennings (Karen Mann).  Upon their arrival the match making Aunt Jennings insists on finding them husbands, she pops up at crucial moments with gossip and information on potential partners and cackles rather too pantomimic at times in her excitement. Pam Jolley is more than endearing as Marianne who, blind with love, follows Willoughby to London (played by Elliot Harper, who switches so brilliantly from Edward Ferrars to Willoughby I thought there was someone missing in the final line up)  only to find he is engaged to someone far richer than her.  Jolley’s comical facial expressions when illustrating her distaste of other characters and minor tantrums when not getting her own way are highly amusing.  As Marianne swoons in lovesickness, she is pursued by the shy but patient Colonel Brandon, (played cautiously by Marcus Webb, as he almost creeps onto the stage and disappears again) who nurses her back to health. There is a haunting moment quite reminiscent of Wizard of Oz where during Marianne’s unconsciousness the faces and voices of the characters in her head are projected onto the large framed screen like a dream sequence, brilliant! Francesca Loren is charming as the refined and restrained Elinor, curbing the high pitch voice that tends to seep from the other more excitable characters. She is in love with Edward Ferrars who it is revealed, is engaged to a money hungry Lucy Steele.  (Sarah Scowen cleverly gives her a sweetly spoken dreadfulness)  Elinor remains in control of her emotions throughout, although she is broken hearted, she gives all her support to her younger and more naïve sister.  As typical of Austen, the characters fall in love at the drop of a hat and the storyline reveals faulted personalities, misconstructions, uncomfortable situations, and eventually, a resolution of all the above laced with marriage proposals. 

This production is beautifully tied together throughout scene changes by the powerfully sweet voice of Sarah Scowen and stunning voice of Pam Jolley as they sing delicate pieces accompanied by the flute, piano and cello all played by members of the cast.  A wholly engaging, pleasant, funny  and enjoyable evening brought together by convincing characters, innovative set and great costumes.

Cast

Marianne Dashwood – Pam Jolley

Elinor Dashwood – Francesca Loren

Edward Ferrars – Elliot Harper

Aunt Jennings – Karen Mann

Colonel Brandon – Marcus Webb

Willoughby – Elliot Harper

Lucy Steele – Sarah Scowen

Director – Matt Devitt

Designer – Norman Coates

Lighting Designer – Andy Lewis

Musical arrangements – Julian Littman

Listings

16 April – 8 May

Sense and Sensibility

by Roger Parsley and Andy Graham

adapted from the novel by Jane Austen

Previews: 16 and 17 Apr at 8pm                      

First Night: Mon 19 Apr at 7.30pm

Performances: Tue–Sat at 8pm

Matinees: Sat 1 May and Thurs 6 May at 2.30pm

Audio Described & Signed Performance: Sat 1 May at 2.30pm

The Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT

Tube: Hornchurch                                                       

Tickets: £13.50 - £22

Box Office:               01708 443333         01708 443333                                           

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk