Period drama comes to Castle Brom

NO EXHAUSTING AUSTEN: The story was adapted
for stage by Jessica Swale.

MORE than 200 years since Jane Austen authored Sense and Sensibility, the story of two young women is still a powerful draw.
Now Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre will be taking a stage adaptation of the 19th century novel on a tour of the region.
Ahead of its arrival at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Other Side of Solihull spoke to director James Knapp.
“It’s a story of love and that’s obviously still something that we can all relate to,” says James, when we ask about the enduring appeal of Austen’s original romance.
“Whether it’s falling in love or getting your heart broken, there will be a character in this which different members of the audience will be able to identify with.
“It’s rather like Shakespeare, there are reasons that stories such as this stand the test of time.”
James has been involved with the Crescent for seven years and while he originally had the actor’s ambition of “seeing his name in lights”, he was increasingly drawn to directing.
He speaks with great enthusiasm about seeing a cast come together during the rehearsal period.
“It’s an amateur production in the finest sense of the word, in that people are doing this for pleasure,” he says.
“Although it is a relatively tight turnaround for a show like this, it doesn’t feel like it because of how much work people have put in.”
The show started with a three-night run at the Crescent studio and is now ready for a mini-tour. James explains how a number of “beautiful gardens” – including the Castle Bromwich estate – were chosen for performances.

Outdoor theatre obviously has a long tradition, although performing in the open air does present
its own challenges.
“You never can depend on the British weather,” laughs James. “Even in high summer, you don’t know what will happen.
“It could be blistering sunshine or totally overcast; the show might have to be called off in the event of a complete downpour.
“But there’s two ways you can respond to that, either you worry about it or you embrace it as part of doing a tour like this!”
Sense and Sensibility will be performed at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens on July 1-2. Tickets are £10, available in advance. Visit the theatre's website for further details.