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Review: The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged), The Alma Theatre – ‘A funny, fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen’
Three nimble actors take on all of Austen’s beloved heroines, friends and love interests – and her incisive social satire – in just 80 minutes.
Actors Emma Giles and Jal Galbraith are about to embark on a hilarious but appreciative round up of the works, but there’s a problem. One actor who was cast to represent all the men in Austen’s books, has suddenly left the company for a part in London just before their inaugural performance. Enter Nina Bright, who plays all the men parts, an actor very much in need of a job but very unfamiliar with Austen’s works.
Late replacement Nina has answered the call but hasn’t read a word of Austen. The two Austen fans have to explain the content and essence of Austen’s output to their new actor colleague and the audience – hence the lightning-fast tour of all of Austen’s work.
is needed now More than ever
The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged), Schoolhouse Productions
Nina quickly grasps the privilege, misogyny and entitlement that is the norm for the likes of Darcy, Wickham and Collins in Pride and Prejudice, and Jal and Emma are funny and engaging as they argue about what was the best novel.
The action is fast, funny, and sharp, and the writers have peppered the action with witty feminist asides, as Persuasion fan Jal and extrovert Pride and Prejudice champion Emma fill in the plot and characters.
The script by Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch asks whether Austen is so wildly, enduringly popular because she is modern, or because she is timeless. But what is certain is that this big-hearted comedy will delight Austen fans and newcomers alike. The show’s real charm lies in its delicate negotiation between homage and parody.
All of the three actors are experts in their craft, easily switching between accents, demeanour, and body language as they swap from one character to the next. Part of the enormous enjoyment of watching this production is the speed at which the actors morph into other characters – it is a hard line to tow switching from the gruff Darcy to ‘human Labrador’ Mr Bingley and melodramatic Mrs Bennet, but here, it is played to perfection.
The trio’s playful take on the material, sees the cast interact with the audience, stepping out of character to provide humorous commentary and improv. Each character is brought to life with sass and flair, breathing new life into Austen’s world.
Nina, using deep voices and physical comedy to great effect, is hilarious, while Emma’s infectious energy and Jal’s impeccable comedic timing keep the energy level high and the laughs to keep coming.
The Alma Theatre‘s in-house company return for a two-week run with this whizz around the world of Jane Austen and then have several other performances when they go on tour. Whether you have read all or none of
Austen’s novels or have seen any of the more than 20 adaptations for large and small screens, this is a delightfully funny romp through the Austen canon.
The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged) is at The Alma Tavern and Theatre on October 8-19 at 8pm (no shows October 11-14). Tickets are available at www.tickettailor.com.
All photos: Edward J Felton
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