Kenilworth theatre team take on Austen mash-up challenge
Fans of Jane Austen classics are in for a double treat with a twist this weekend.
A brave team from the Talisman Theatre in Kenilworth are taking on the challenge of performing Pride and Sensibility - a combination of Austen's two most famous novels - only two days after seeing the script.
The 'made in 48 hours' production, an annual tradition at the Barrow Road theatre, will mean the performers, after being handed their lines tonight, are in for an intensive weekend of rehearsals and not too much sleep before the curtain goes up on Sunday evening.
Taking on the classics Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, writer Samantha Harris has created an on-stage period drama, which switches between the two tales and includes some scenes where characters from both interact.
As might be expected, the production will feature all the Austen favourites of Mr Darcy, Lizzy Bennet, the Dashwood sisters and cads Wickham and Willoughby.
Ms Harris said: "My cast has grown so much over the years, doing a mash of the two seemed the best way of getting enough characters. Plus it's something different to try.
"I realised there are actually a lot of similarities between the two."
Although Ms Harris, who will also assume an acting role as Jane Bennett, declares herself a "big fan" of Austen novels, this will be her first dramatisation of any of the writer's works.
But, having worked on 11 'made in 48 hours' productions at the Talisman, she is no stranger to the mad rush this weekend will inevitably bring.
She said: "I have never been able to work out how people do it. I guess your short-term memory is capable of more than you think when you're in that intensive environment. It's amazing what you can retain.
"But sometimes people forget stuff and we have to get out of it and the audience get a right laugh. It's good fun."
Tickets to the show, which starts at 7.30pm, cost 7.50, with proceeds going to Side by Side, a charity which supports the education of children with learning disabilities alongside those without. There will also be a 'silent' auction in the theatre foyer.
Call 0788 6415129 or go online.
www.talismantheatre.co.uk
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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