Austentatious: Jane Austen-Themed Improv Show At Lighthouse Poole
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Z Bonds
While we know that the basis of this improvised comedy is going to be the title of a Jane Austen novel – but which one? Sense and Sensibility? Pride and Prejudice? Emma? Just three of the six major novels she penned. Here we have been given the opportunity to imagine another of her works and have it dramatized before our very eyes.
From the outset, we were drawn into Austen’s world, with tapestried, vibrant walls, ornate furniture and graceful violin tones. Use of period costume helped to further transport us to the 1800s via Poole Lighthouse, giving us the opportunity to revel in the pomp and ceremony of the aristocrats in early 19th century England.
With a rolling cast of 8 established and talented actors from the world of television and radio (six being on stage in any one show) including Amy Cooke-Hodgson, Graham Dickson, Cariad Lloyd, Joseph Morpurgo, Rachel Parris, Charlotte Gittins, Daniel Nils Roberts and Lauren Shearing. What’s not to like?
We were introduced to a most famous Austen scholar, Dr Sam Patten who opened up the floor. Over to us, the audience for our thoughts on the title of her ‘latest’ novel. A few suggestions later, we had settled on ‘Emma on Hinge’. Unfortunately, not being as au fait with popular culture as I should be, the title reference was lost on me, but a search in the interval allowed for a ‘lightbulb’ moment and so much then became clearer!
From the outset, we were enthralled by the craziness of the cast, their varied roles and their ability to make a joke about pretty much anything. It soon became obvious that no subject was off limits and we traversed our way through themes such as sisterhood and sibling rivalry alongside servant vs master relationships. Who would have thought we’d learn so much about the parallels between the sport of curling and being married to the one you love? Who knew a sporran could be so entertaining?
Within violin accompaniment continuing at various points as the story developed, we were treated to vibrant tones to accompany excitement and a Scottish jig, but also rich, sober tones which enhanced and encapsulated the mood of the moment, where moments of sorrow were closely followed by raucous laughter. The energy and anticipation of the audience and full auditorium contributed to the atmosphere.
I really didn’t know what to expect prior to the show, but enjoyed it hugely, in spite of not really knowing or being a huge fan of Austen’s work – it really didn’t matter. The quick wit and dynamism of the skilled actors meant that they were able to link everything back to the original title we’d decided together – a phenomenal skill!
It would have been even better if we could hear everything that was said more clearly – the punch line was sometimes missed due to difficulties hearing one of the actors in particular. That said, we were on the left-hand side of audience and it may have been partly due to the fact that he had his back to us much of the time.
Rating: 4/5
https://www.austentatiousimpro.com/tour
Tickets available from £22.16 and are subject to a transaction fee of £3.95
It is also possible to continue to see Austentatious in its London home, on Mondays, in the West End (Vaudeville Theatre. Tickets are available here:
https://www.austentatiousimpro.com/westend
Tickets available from £21.50
Age guidance 14+
Running time approximately 1hr 50 with an interval