‘talented trio rip-roar their way through Austin’s most famous novels. . . with some panache’
Director Natasha Cragg does Jane Austen proud with this heartfelt and hilarious production that will either inspire you to read the originals or give you enough of an insight to pretend that you have – either way, you’ll have a lot of fun on the ride!
When their third cast member unexpectedly drops out, two devoted Austen fanatics, Jessica (Bethany Cragg) and Charlotte (Meredith Clayton), are determined not to let their ambitious literary marathon fall apart. With time running out, they turn to the only actor available, Trevor (Kyle Jensen), who has no knowledge of any of Jane Austen’s works. What could possibly go wrong?
Well not a lot, funnily enough, as this talented trio rip-roar their way through Austen’s most famous novels – and some of her lesser known and incomplete ones as well as her letters – delivering an informative and comical summary with some panache that had the audience laughing out loud throughout.
I always say less is more and the cleverly composed array of furniture provided the necessary Regency feel whilst being quickly adaptable to suit the changing scenes, which are overseen with some ease by Stage Manager Catherine Flower, all of which are matched by equally period-perfect costumes and props from Angela Clarke and Carol Golightly.
Meg Doherty and Tim Saint’s lighting complemented each scene whilst their clever sound effects immersed us into them. There’s always a delicate balance with these things, but I would have liked some more with perhaps a little light music in the background to offset the occasional silences. If this production is revived – and I hope it is – I would also consider the use of projection on the white back wall: you could make a real splash with it.
This is a demanding production with a lot of lines as well as multi-rolling for the cast, all of which they took in their stride with the discreet use of props including magic hats supporting character transformation, although credit where credit’s due, for the vast majority of the time it was achieved through great acting and vocal adjustment.
With the structure of the play, this was an opportunity for three actors to step up and properly own the stage, and each one seized their chance to shine with relish.
B Cragg and Clayton fully embraced the contrasting spirit of sisters in an Austen novel with their impassioned pleas for their favourite of the novels, whilst Jensen brought verve to the not so clever Trevor who is to discover a favourite of his own. Combined, and with boundless energy and enthusiasm to meet the physical demands of this play, their natural chemistry and some clever breaking of the fourth wall resulted in a truly theatrical treat as we were spun through the catalogue with wit and wisdom in under ninety minutes plus interval, and I heartily recommend it to you. Why? Because.
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged plays once more on 21st March at 7.30pm at Thingwall Community Centre (149 Thingwall Road L15 7JX).
(Photography credit to Alex Harrison.)
Review Date: 20th March 2026
Star Rating: FOUR