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Sense and Sensibility Worcester Theatres The Commandery Gardens **** The Commandery Gardens provide the
perfect setting for an outdoor summer production, especially in such
fine weather. This year’s production based on Jane Austen’s Sense
and Sensibility is a delightful adaptation by Paul Milton, who also
directs. The story of the Dashwood girls, Elinor and
Marianne, lacks some of the enchantment and cohesion of the story of the
Bennet girls in Jane Austen’s later Pride and Prejudice. The
menfolk, Colonel Brandon, Edward Ferrars and Willoughby, lack some of
the charm and gallantry of the truly romantic heroes. However, this dramatisation is a glorious
success – it does not seek to represent the novel too precisely, but
rather to convey the essence of the plot and the characters in a
thoroughly light-hearted, comedic way, and a style that engages and
amuses a truly local audience. The complex plot of a lengthy novel is partly
narrated by the characters themselves. The representation of horses,
chickens, birds and dogs, again by the characters themselves, is
brilliant and hilarious. The elegant costumes, against a fairly basic
but serviceable set, remind us well of the Regency context of this
story.
The use of a small cast is turned to great comic
effect with reference to the girls’ mother who never appears. Nadia
Shash plays a handful of smaller parts and is wonderfully energetic,
characterful, lively and entertaining. The leading ladies, played by
Julia Bentley (Elinor) and Charlotte Swarbrick (Marianne) remain
dignified in their contrasted ways, despite being treated poorly by most
of the young men. The dour Colonel Brandon (Murray Andrews) is the
most trustworthy, dependable and faithful character among the men. He is
played excellently with his deep voice by Murray Andrews, amongst a few
other minor roles. Nate Harter’s characterisation of the awkward Ferrars
is particularly effective. The girls are nicely contrasted in how they are
played: Elinor is the more stoical and constant, while Marianne is so
much more emotional and extrovert. The pace and variety of this production, the
engagement with the audience and the local allusions are all credit to a
strong team and to Paul Milton’s excellent crafting of the script and
direction.
For a very relaxed but enjoyable and
light-hearted evening’s entertainment, get along with your picnic to the
Commandery for the show which runs to Sunday, 20
July. Tim Crow 11-07-25 |
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