Sense and Sensibility

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s first novel provided an excellent vehicle for this group, who are experienced at performing period pieces.

The opening scene of the interior of Norland was carefully arranged and allowed plenty of room for actors to move around. The centre back entrance was used to good effect, with prompt entrances and exits, and with gradual blackouts to denote the end of scenes. In this and subsequent acts, there was a very ‘free’ coming and going of various characters into homes which were not their own, and this of course, at the time, would not have occurred - each visitor would have been announced. Perhaps the addition of some noises off (door sounds, or voices in the wings) would have added more authenticity to the action.

Scene changes were performed with quiet efficiency. Scene 2, the Dashwood’s cottage in Devon, was played mostly on the forestage. The arrangement of furniture was very symmetrical, and this, together with the ‘wordiness’ of the script and some lack of pace made this scene quite static. Perhaps it was not necessary to have all the actors sitting? The auditorium was used on a few occasions for entrances/exits, and this worked well, particularly when Marianne was carried on by Willoughby.

The lighting plot was simple but used to good effect, and the storm effects were excellent. Sound effects were good. Set dressing and props were appropriate to the period (it was lovely to see an ‘authentic’ newspaper).

Costumes were excellent, in period and mostly well-fitting. The Dashwood girls’ hair was beautifully dressed, but some of the more minor characters had modern fringes showing beneath their bonnets.

It’s very important that attention is given to detail regarding the period in which the play is set, in order to observe the correct manners of the time, and I felt that this could have been done more thoroughly; for example, Marianne placing her tea cup on the floor in Act 3 was anachronistic, as was the lack of standing when visitors entered the room. At other times though, the culture of the period was portrayed well, for example, the formality displayed by Colonel Brandon, and the respect shown by the younger characters to their elders.

Some very convincing relationships were created, particularly between Elinor and Marianne, who were very believable as the two contrasting sisters, and their relationship with their Mother was also delightful.

This was not an easy piece to tackle, but it was a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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