This week sees a new adaptation of Austen’s novel Persuasion coming to Oxford and it looks set to follow in the tradition of awesome updates of the author’s classic works.
Perhaps more in the tradition of Alicia Silverstone’s (“as if!”) Clueless, than Keira Knightley’s bonnet-filled Pride and Prejudice, Jeff James’ and James Yeatman’s adaptation swaps out candle lit ballrooms with neon lights and nightclubs, with promise of a foam party (can’t wait to see this on stage) and a playlist featuring bangers by Dua Lipa, Frank Ocean and Cardi B.
Sasha Frost will be starring as Anne Elliot, persuaded by her family to reject true love in the form of Captain Wentworth (Fred Fergus) a penniless young man ‘with only love and ambition’ to offer. Flash forward eight years and Anne’s still single, she’s never got over Wentworth and he’s back on the scene. But, Wentworth 2.0 is a bona fide catch: rich, successful, single and still oh-so handsome he’s back in Anne’s orbit and she has to confront the fact she’s never got over him. He, meanwhile, has to decide if he can forgive Anne for rejecting him all those years ago.
An Oxford Playhouse Production, in association with Rose Theatre and Alexandra Palace, Persuasion will be on the main stage from 4 – 14 May.
For tickets (from £10) and more information visit oxfordplayhouse.com
Oxford Playhouse has a range of Covid-secure measures, in line with government advice and recommendations from UK Theatre, to keep everybody safe and to keep theatres open.