Sense and Sensibility

Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 April 7.45pm

Sense and Sensibility

Civic Theatre

Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel of two sisters and their search for love in a society bound by financial fortune, Sense and Sensibility is brought to the stage in a stunning adaptation with beautiful imagery, original music, humour and heartbreak at Chelmsford Civic theatre from Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 April.

The very essence of Sense & Sensibility has been encapsulated in this pared, but by no means dumbed down, version of Jane Austen's much loved novel.   Playwrights Andy Graham and Roger Parsley have dispensed with several minor characters and centred their play on the fates and fortunes of the Dashwood sisters. 

Elinor, the elder, is ruled by her head despite the attentions of the "amiable"  Edward Ferrers, and Marianne, the headstrong wild child, is swept off her feet by the dashing Mr. Willoughby, who later, (surprise, surprise), turns out to be deeply flawed.   Fear not, dear reader, for despite the sub plot of "bitch in a bonnet"  Lucy Steel, the deliciously OTT Aunt Jennings and the nice- but -possibly- dull Colonel Brandon, ensure that everything turns out all right in the end. 

Director Helen Tennison was initially very attracted to the sisterly relationship and portrayal of female friendship, "it is very strong but in no way sentimental."  Another theme is money,  “the Dashwood sisters lose their money at the beginning and have to get used to very different circumstances - economic downsizing is just as relevant today,  you can almost hear the audiences sympathising."

This terrific cast of six young professionals play a number of different roles including coachmen and servants. They make full use of the frames which make up parts of the set, using them to present us with pictures and silhouettes to illuminate the action and story telling.

Linbury Prize finalist Ellan Parry has done such a good job on set and costumes, likewise composer Benedict Davies and sound designer Matt Eaton’s work on this production has made sure that this play has already been nominated for three 2012 "Offies" awards from offwestend.com. Best Production, Best Design and Best Sound. 

Having collected a dozen glowing reviews from its first run at the tiny Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington, the cast are most proud of the accolade from a teenage boy at Hackney Community College.  "I've been to see Wicked in the West End, and I tell you, this is better!"