Review: Sense and Sensibility at Knaresborough Castle

Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town.  You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com 

Last Friday, in the tranquil grounds of Knaresborough Castle, crowds gathered on the lawns in anticipation of an evening of open-air theatre, and, under a threateningly grey sky, of the heavens opening.

But despite the potential perils of the English summer, touring theatre group Chapterhouse resolved to perform their adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel, Sense and Sensibility, for their picnicking audience.

It is a tale that follows the highs and lows of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who embody the titular and often opposing qualities of reason and passion.

An economic set was split to show a wealthy dwelling on one side and a modest cottage on the other. Costume was delightfully plausible and, along with lively and emotive music interposing the drama, the scene was set for a pleasant evening spent in Regency-era England, filled with dancing, duets and duels.

The cast brought to life the wit and satire.

With the elements against them, the small cast of eight was a resilient bunch and, despite some technical glitches, was not deterred.

Without the use of microphones, the cast’s ability to enunciate at volume was truly tested and oftentimes unsuccessful; by having to exaggerate and bellow lines, some of the feeling and meaning was lost, and characterisation was subsequently underdeveloped.

Still, there was a great deal to enjoy in an energetic and fanciful adaptation that managed to convey a great deal of Austen’s wit and satire. George Barnden’s Sir John Middleton, with his outrageous booming laugh, received titters aplenty; Becky Bond captured the melodrama of thirteen-year-old sister Margaret with aplomb; Sasha Snowdon as Fanny was as snobbish as anyone who knows the story might expect; and, Lorna Panton, the impassioned Marianne, was convincing in her heartache.

While not fully equipped for the acoustics of the outdoors, Chapterhouse delivered a congenial and light evening’s entertainment of period drama; and, to everyone’s delight, the rain held off.

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