By Jane’s Hand

This is a sumptuous production that is impressive in its devotion and dedication to the Jane Austen oeuvre. The play cleverly adapts letters written by Austen combined with extracts from Pride and Prejudice and songs from her personal music collection. The three performers each bring different aspects of Jane’s persona to life along with the vivid characters that inhabited her powerful imagination: Elizabeth, Darcy, Mr Collins, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr and Mrs Bennet are all conjured with meticulous attention to detail. 

Isha Menon, Marjorie Butcher, and Olivia O’Brien are exceptional in their beautiful all-round performances. Their musical ability is absolutely enchanting, and their strong, incredibly harmonious vocals create a truly magical atmosphere. The performances are executed with disarming delicacy and charm. This is all wonderfully supported by a set design which completely immerses the audience into Austen’s world. The staging emphasises the presence of paper, parchment, and books: stained with age and covered in stories. The set has a very cohesive, stylish design yet it easily evokes the historical setting. The use of props and musical instruments in this production is often ingenious, frequently adding layers of impish humour, narrative particulars, and nuance of character.

The director makes a point of stating that the show has been created and curated from an intergenerational feminist perspective. In fact, the feisty rebellious nature of Austen and Elizabeth are always at the forefront of this show. Jane is portrayed as an individual with incredible intellect and astute powers of observation. Above all, she is depicted as a complex, warm-hearted woman whose wit is timeless and enduring. This very polished production offers a very rich, intricate and compelling theatrical experience.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Darren Gill