______
15 August 2025
______
5*****
______
Jane Austen was never to see the publication of her final novel ‘Persuasion’; wracked by ill-health, she was aware she was seriously unwell while writing it. In his adaptation of the novel, Mark Healy, uses the story of Austen writing the book as a parallel to the life of the central character, Anne Elliott – something of a departure for the writer, a more mature woman than some of her other creations, reflecting Austen herself. Will there be a happy ending for either of them?
Written for six actors, this play is a tremendous achievement which keeps so much of the original intact along with the humour and heartache which Austen was so brilliant at. It is maybe appropriate that this play be performed in Lyme Regis as large parts of the action takes place in the town – much to the delight of the local audience.
With so many locations to portray, the production team have opted for furniture alone which is moved by the cast without fuss; the transitions from place to place are effected by lighting and some sound. Maybe if the curtaining around the stage had been anything other than black it would have brightened proceedings a little as it did feel a little dull at times – a minor grumble.
At the heart of the play is the central role of Jane Austen who narrates much of the action, often in the form of letters to her sister; the actor is called upon to slip in and out of the action as Anne and this works a treat. This is a considerable role and in this production it is taken on by Kirsty Cox – she is outstanding – it is a performance full of joy and sorrow, of repressed yearning and disappointment and every mood is captured in the face and the voice – a director couldn’t want for a better result. The other members of the cast all take on multiple roles as well as those mentioned in the following. Neil James ensures the upright Captain Wentworth is suitably dignified and wary of coming on too strong and it is those subtleties which make the tension grow in the story. Charlie Coldfield is wonderfully amusing as Sir Walter, the man fallen from grace who keeps up a continual front in order not to completely ruin his reputation. Victoria Porter is hilarious as the bitter, jealous and forever ill Mary – the dance sequence at the start of the play is comedy gold. Jodie Glover is splendidly obnoxious as the toadying daughter, Elizabeth, but so very warm as Mrs Smith and Mitch Capaldi delivers an increasing sinister performance as the slippery William Elliott – it is like watching a snake shed its skin to reveal the true evil of the character. The cast is exemplary.
Director, Janette Froud, has delivered a top-notch production of a beautifully rich and faithful adaptation. It is dramatic and lyrical and, as Austen so often is – very funny. ‘Persuasion’ has always been my favourite of Austen’s novels and so a stage adaptation is seen with a certain amount of trepidation – from curtain up, it felt right. If there is an ending of a story which always moves me, then this is one – and it did.
Bravo to all involved.
Cast
Jane Austen/Anne Elliott – Kirsty Cox
Captain Wentworth/Mr John Shepherd – Neil James
Sir Walter Elliot/Mr Musgrove/Admiral Croft – Charlie Coldfield
Lady Russell/Mary Elliot/Mrs Clay – Victoria Porter
Elizabeth Elliot/Louisa Musgrove/Mrs Smith – Jodie Glover
Charles Musgrove/Captain Benwick/Mr William Eliot – Mitch Capaldi
Creatives
Writer – Janes Austen/Mark Healy
Director – Janette Froud
Lighting and Sound Design – Steve Miller
Set Design – Robert Sherwood
Stage Management – Tom Neill & Chloe Townshend
Production Assistant – Gary Fish
