Over the course of my life I’ve read plenty of novels and quite a few of Jane Austen’s classics.
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The Mount Isa Theatrical Society’s latest play Persuasion is based on Jane Austen's last completed novel which she began to write soon after she finished 'Emma', and completed it in August, 1816.
Love or hate her novels, I really had no interest in reading Persuasion, but I did and, I have to admit that that’s a week of my life I’ll never get back.
However, the opportunity arose to see our local talent perform an adaption of the book on stage so I was keen to check it out and my opinion of the novel changed forever.
This delightful and alluring stage play by 16 Mount Isa performers captured the essence of life set in the 1800s and the struggles and circumstances of a well-to-do family.
The opening scene is set in the Elliott family drawing room where a lively discussion concerning the letting of their beloved Kellynch Estate has members of the families’ patience wearing thin.
The main character of the play, Anne Elliot - played by Lydia Lynch from the North West Star – is a 27-year-old spinster who is intelligent and warm – an upgrade form the dismally passive young woman in the novel.
There’s a tortured will-they, won’t-they? romance between Miss Elliott and Captain Frederick Wentworth, a man whose proposal she was persuaded to refuse years before.
The ever-present obsession with status, a major component of most Jane Austen novels, is clearly felt and Captain Wentworth, played by Bryan Heuir, often sees Anne as part of the Uppercross social circle.
Mr Heuir’s added the qualities of gallantry, independence, and bravery in an outstanding performance as a first time lead in a full length play.
Louisa Musgrave, played superbly by debut actress Steph Bithell, mirrored the qualities every young woman associates with when being held in esteem by a handsome man.
Captain Wentworth’s constant praise had an effect on Louisa which encouraged her to pursue his affections in the most flirtatious and dangerous manner.
In summary, this is a great adaptation of the novel by such a prolific writer which features some wonderfully gifted performers in our locality.
The script is solid, flows well and has direction. Persuasion does not disappoint.
The show runs from Friday 25 May through to Saturday June 16 on every Friday and Saturday night.
Tickets are on sale now at Impulse Boutique on West Street for $40 which includes a two-course meal.