Austen the Musical (Birmingham Old Joint Stock)
When I started writing reviews as an amateur critic back in July 2017, I wasn't really sure how far it would go or if anybody would actually read them but, encouraged by a few people I thought I'd give it a shot and this is now my 50th and by some quirk of fate is a production at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham as was my 1st for Bonnie & Clyde, here's to the next fifty.
Austen the Musical is unsurprisingly a musical depiction of Jane Austen's life story, a troubled tale in many ways, destined never to truly find love and fighting a battle to be recognised as a serious writer in a period when women were expected only to marry, bear children and keep house. In fact were it not for the tenacious will of her father George to find a publisher no matter what we may never have been able to experience 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Sense and Sensibility' at all.
Birmingham's Old Joint Stock venue is an intimate space and seems to lend itself well to this particular production, as a member of the audience the cast are able to make you feel part of the story as you are so close to the action and director Timothy Trimingham Lee has managed to conjure up atmosphere and inclusion with a minimal set and some novel use of the acting space in and around the audience.
Even with a fine venue and some intuative direction, you still need a great cast and this small group of actors with big talent provide that final piece of the jigsaw, Edith Kirkwood (Jane), Jenni Lea-Jones (Jane's Mother), Thomas Hewitt (Jane's Suitors) and Adam Grayson (Jane's Father) along with the musicianship of Arlene McNaught as MD, keyboards and occasional non-speaking cast member they bring alive a story that will no doubt enthuse not only musical theatre lovers but, those who have an interest in Miss Austen herself.
Rob Winlow's charming musical is at the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham until 13th January 2018 but, continues to tour the UK until 29th March 2018.
Book Here
Austen the Musical is unsurprisingly a musical depiction of Jane Austen's life story, a troubled tale in many ways, destined never to truly find love and fighting a battle to be recognised as a serious writer in a period when women were expected only to marry, bear children and keep house. In fact were it not for the tenacious will of her father George to find a publisher no matter what we may never have been able to experience 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Sense and Sensibility' at all.
Birmingham's Old Joint Stock venue is an intimate space and seems to lend itself well to this particular production, as a member of the audience the cast are able to make you feel part of the story as you are so close to the action and director Timothy Trimingham Lee has managed to conjure up atmosphere and inclusion with a minimal set and some novel use of the acting space in and around the audience.
Even with a fine venue and some intuative direction, you still need a great cast and this small group of actors with big talent provide that final piece of the jigsaw, Edith Kirkwood (Jane), Jenni Lea-Jones (Jane's Mother), Thomas Hewitt (Jane's Suitors) and Adam Grayson (Jane's Father) along with the musicianship of Arlene McNaught as MD, keyboards and occasional non-speaking cast member they bring alive a story that will no doubt enthuse not only musical theatre lovers but, those who have an interest in Miss Austen herself.
Rob Winlow's charming musical is at the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham until 13th January 2018 but, continues to tour the UK until 29th March 2018.
Book Here
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