“Never would I have thought a novel from the 1800’s could be transformed into a raunchy rom-com with music from Frank Ocean and Cardi B” – says reporter Poppy Huggett.
I confess, I’ve never read an entire novel by Jane Austen.
I admire the passion and morality to her stories, and Mr Darcy is a name I’ll always link to the legendary author, but I was under the impression that her novels are so far from society today.
I couldn’t have been further from the truth.
On Thursday night I visited the Rose Theatre in Kingston to see the stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion.
I wasn’t sure what to expect – given my inaccurate judgement on her books, but I was excited to be back in the theatre.
As I sat in stall number 47, I noticed a woman lying on top of a blue lit stage.
She was facing the floor, not moving, and staying in character as the theatre slowly started to fill with people.
Five minutes later, the show began, and a group of characters joined the woman, who was still laying still on the stage.
The characters soon introduced themselves; A sister named Elizabeth, a friend called Penelope, and Sir Walter, who was the father of the woman lying on the floor, Anne.
Within minutes the characters were cracking jokes funny enough for the entire audience to laugh out loud.
The story centred around 27-year-old Anne, played fiercely by Sasha Frost, who has a harsh judgement on the idea of love - after her family friend, Lady Russell, persuaded her not to marry the love of her life when she was just 19.
Many more characters were soon introduced, including Anne’s other sister Mary, her husband, his two sisters Henrietta and Louisa (my personal favourite) and Captain Wentworth, Anne’s former lover.
One scene that completely stole the show, was when the characters took a trip to the beach, and a tonne of bubbles fell from the ceiling.
Before I knew it, the entire cast were stripped down to bikinis and trunks as what I can only describe as a chaotic bath time for both the cast and the audience.
During the 30-minute interval, myself and my friend took a trip to the bar and enjoyed a cold glass of Corona, laughing at the insanely first half and waiting patiently to return back to our seats.
When the second half began, it took only seconds before we were bursting out with laughter, especially when Cardi B’s song, WAP, was the song chosen to play at the ball – I wonder if Jane Austen would have approved?
The show had many moments that stood out, such as the hilariously awkward dance moves demonstrated by Elizabeth and Mr Elliot (the lover of Elizabeth and at some points, Anne).
A happy ending was on the arrival for Anne, after her journey to discover love with several devotees was coming to an end – her true love was under her nose the entire time.
Anne, her family, friends, and soon-to-be life partner ended the show on a high, dancing to Call your Girlfriend by pop princess Robyn.
Soon enough, the audience were clapping and cheering, eventually turning to a standing ovation for the well-deserved cast of persuasion.
If someone were to ask me to describe Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion, I’d say it’s a story of integrity and waiting to be with the person you love – or at least that’s what I’ve been told.
The show adaptation clearly demonstrates this, but with a twist of modern day humour, sexual tension, and fun.
Never would I have thought this poignant novel could be transformed into a hilarious, raunchy rom-com theatre show that featured music from Cardi B and Dua Lipa.
I would see it all over again in a heartbeat.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here