With Jane Austen’s work already having been adapted to death, writers are now basing their stories around her life instead. This is the case with ‘Jane Austen Invites…’: the plot is centred on some fictional but believable party planning, with a great deal of fuss over suitable guests and an extravagant menu. The mock-Austen script takes a little getting used to, but it’s well executed and the characterisation feels pretty solid. It’s much more likely to produce light chuckling as opposed to raucous giggles, and is probably best avoided if you’re not already a fan. But for Austen devotees, this is a light, effective and entertaining play. Extra points for handing out biscuits as the curtain falls.
Royal Overseas League, 26 – 27 Aug, 7.00pm (8.00pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp272.
tw rating 3/5
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Sections: by Kirsten Waller - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: Royal Overseas League, Theatre Someone
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