Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
It was a delight to spend the evening watching Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility at The Little Theatre in Leicester, under the direction of John Bale. This much‑loved story will be familiar to many, whether through teenage encounters with the novel, the TV adaptations with the memorable Mr Darcy, or the development of Austin’s characters shining through in Bridgerton. This production embraces that familiarity, offering a charming interpretation.
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| Photo by Jonathan Pryke. |
As the curtain rises, we are introduced to the recently bereaved Mrs Dashwood and her three daughters. From the outset, the audience gains a clear sense of each character’s personality as they grapple with loss. Elinor, the eldest daughter, portrayed with gentle restraint by Adams, assumes the role of emotional anchor, comforting both her grieving mother and younger sister. In contrast, Marianne (Jacqueline Ardron) processes her sorrow through music, expressing her emotion at the piano. There is an immediate sense of hope that John Dashwood, the late Mr Dashwood’s heir, will honour his father’s wishes and provide security for his stepmother and half‑sisters. Sadly, this hope is swiftly dashed. John Dashwood (James Richard), cold‑hearted and easily influenced by his sharp‑tongued wife Fanny (Molly Georgina), forces the family to leave their home with little financial support, sending them to Devonshire with barely a penny to their name.
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| Photo by Jonathan Pryke |
The heart of the story lies in the contrast between Elinor’s sense and Marianne’s sensibility, as both young women navigate love, disappointment, and social expectations. Rose Adams gives a nuanced and convincing portrayal of Elinor’s quiet endurance; her emotional restraint makes the moment at the end of Act One, where she sits alone on the beach in tears, particularly affecting. However, it is Ardron’s Marianne who truly captivates. Her performance is exquisite—emotionally rich, impulsive, and unwavering in character. Ardron fully embodies Marianne’s romantic idealism, taking the audience with her through every high and heartbreaking low.
The youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret (Amélie Wilson-Knight), though less central to the plot, brings warmth and charm to every appearance. Her nonchalant, nature‑loving spirit is perfectly captured, and her precisely timed delivery of short lines consistently raises laughter from the audience.
Molly Georgina’s portrayal of Fanny Dashwood is a standout performance. This is her first appearance on The Little Theatre’s main stage, and one hopes it will not be her last. Her exaggerated selfishness and lack of empathy make Fanny gloriously detestable, provoking gasps and groans in equal measure. The comic timing and delightful interference of Mrs Jennings, played by Ketna Butrôn, further enhance the production, providing many entertaining moments.
The unpretentious yet effective set, designed by Anna Field, allows the story and performances to shine. The use of entrances and exits through opposing doorways cleverly supports the pacing of the production, often requiring actors to return instantly with altered emotional states. Lighting subtly shapes the space and enhances the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the action on stage.
This light‑hearted and affectionate adaptation of Austen’s novel offers a thoroughly enjoyable evening and serves as a wonderful celebration of Leicester’s local theatrical talent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sense and Sensibility runs at The Little Theatre in Leicester until Saturday 9th May 2026. For tickets visit https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
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| Photo by Jonathan Pryke |
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