WORTHING has a warm fondness for Jane Austen, who probably based her final, unfinished, novel on the town after she came to stay here for a few months at the age of 29.
Sadly, that fondness was not overly apparent when just a small audience turned out for the opening night of Sense and Sensibility, based on Austen’s first novel, at the Connaught Theatre last night (Tuesday, February 21).
Nevertheless, Chapterhouse Thetare Company played as if to a full audience, Laura Turner’s adaptation of the novel nicely summarising the story of the Dashwood girls, Elinor and Marianne.
In many ways, it’s not the most adventerous of plots, though the scene makers had to be rather inspirational to be able to portray a number different fine houses and smaller homes with just a few simple pieces – and this they achieved with remarkable success.
The cast of nine also had their work cut out, with more than 20 parts to play, but each rose to the challenge, playing the different parts so well there was no confusion over who was who.
This is Chapterhouse’s third visit to the town and their colourful portrayals of the classics are ideal for the Connaught, so it would have been nice to see them get more support.
Sense and Sensibility runs until Thursday, at 7.30pm daily with a matinée today (Wednesday) at 2pm.
By Elaine Hammond
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