Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are left penniless after their wealthy half-brother cheats them of their fortune. They are forced to leave the comforts of Norland Park and relocate to a cold Devonshire cottage. When a devilishly handsome stranger arrives at Barton Cottage with the rain-drenched Marianne in his arms, the Dashwood girls are convinced that their fortunes are changed forever. Whilst the sensible Elinor pines for quiet Edward Ferrars, impulsive Marianne loses herself in the idea of her hero on horseback, and for a girl who feasts on poetry and music, what else is there to do in Devon but dream of rescue?
In Austen’s dearly-loved classic, we follow the fortunes of the two Dashwood sisters as they chase their dreams from Devonshire to London and back.
Performance running times
Act 1: 78 minutes
Interval: 20 minutes
Act 2: 68 minutes
Performance Times
Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm
(no matinée performance on Thursday 3 April)
Saturday 10 May performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Tickets
Monday evening, Thursday and Saturday matinées £15 and £14.50.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings £24, £22, £15.
Friday and Saturday evenings £26, £24, £16.50.
First Week Special
On the first Thursday and Friday seats are £15 and £14.50. (no other discounts apply)
Adapted and Directed by Jessica Swale
Designed by Philip Engleheart
Lighting designed by Christopher Nairne
Composer Paul Herbert
Paul Bigley Sir John & John Dashwood
Jane Booker Fanny Dashwood & Mrs Jennings
Jenny Funnell Mrs Dashwood & Mrs Palmer
Alice Haig Margaret Dashwood & Lucy Steele
Cassie Layton Marianne
Graham O’Mara Edward Ferrars
Peter Ormond Colonel Brandon
William Owen Willoughby
Sally Scott Elinor Dashwood
“…Jessica Swale has done a fantastic job of bringing the scenes and characters truthfully to life with sparkling and witty dialogue. Her sensitive direction is pacey, whilst taking its time over the more important moments, never rushing the excellent cast.” UK Theatre Network
Read the full UK Theatre Network review here
“This charming stage version... a welcome addition to an ever-growing list of Austen-inspired creations, looks certain to be a success.” The Good Review ****
Read the full review from The Good Review here
“Jessica Swale’s vivacious adaption of Jane Austen’s first novel Sense and Sensibility enchantingly captures the spirit, manners and fun of this classic story.” British Theatre Guide
“For Austen devotees, this will certainly delight and newcomers to her work will be captivated. This is bound to be yet another hit for the Watermill.” British Theatre Guide
Read the full British Theatre Guide review here
"...charming, funny and beautifully crafted stage play.” Basingstoke Gazette
"…what makes this production so enjoyable is the slightly tongue-in-cheek writing and direction by Jessica Swale.” Basingstoke Gazette
Read the full Basingstoke Gazette review here
"I can’t imagine Jane Austen purists objecting to this delightful adaptation, well performed by a strong cast.” Newbury Theatre
Read the full Newbury Theatre review here
"...funny and stimulating." Henley Standard
"The Watermill’s adaptation brings out the humour, wit, manipulation and desperation of Austen’s novel in this pacy production, written and directed by the very capable Jessica Swale." Henley Standard
Read the full Henley Standard review here
"Undemanding and utterly charming, this is popular theatre at its Watermill best." Wiltshire Gazette & Herald
"Memories of the 1995 film... soon fade, thanks to the universally outstanding performances of the excellent cast, and the ingenuity of the Watermill’s set. It is very funny, too, both in the dialogue and the direction, with some real laugh-out-loud moments." Wiltshire Gazette & Herald
Read the full Wiltshire Gazette & Herald review here