To celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary year This Is My Theatre is on tour with two productions: Emma and Pride & Prejudice at stunning outdoor locations across the south of England, from Dorset to Sussex, from Kent to Suffolk. Wherever these guys perform, it’s always outside as their mission is to bring classic theatre to rural locations. Just always remember to bring a chair.
As is tradition, there is music while the audience arrives and it is the cast with a couple of instruments singing away with their beautiful songs and wonderful harmonies – really setting the scene of what’s in store, and it’s always a real treat!
It’s a captivating one act performance with an adaptation which distils the intricate world of Regency-era England into a concise, dynamic and delightful theatrical experience.
Their branded approach is a minimalist production and set. This has stripped back the lavishness associated with period dramas, and only featuring a few key props to fluidly transform into different scene locations. The scene changes happen with the cast seamlessly coming on/off stage with the props and singing whilst this is happening for only a moment to make sure the audience knows it’s a scene change.
The minimal set was so effective because it really put the focus on the actors and the story itself and the natural light of the evening just added to the whole magic.
The cast were their usual impressive selves. Only five actors, each playing multiple characters which was fun to watch. The way they changed their voices and mannerisms with just a simple costume addition, was fantastic and it gave the whole show a lively playful energy, particularly when the actor playing Mr Collins switches to Lady Catherine de Bourgh was particularly brilliant – a hilarious transformation.
The one act format does mean a condensing of the original and the adaptation is successful as it manages to retain the most essential plot points and character arcs without feeling rushed or disjointed. The famous quips, key moments and emotionally charged conversations are all present and are delivered at a pace to keep the audience engaged.
Classic stories with powerful storytelling and great acting shows you don’t need a fancy production, this show proves all you need is a fantastic cast and a wonderful script. It was a charming and delightful evening and I am looking forward to seeing their version of ‘Emma’.
Check out This Is My Theatre for tour dates & locations.
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