Adelaide Festival Centre, Dunstan Playhouse
May 8, 2018

Messengers in Regency costume on roller skates accompanied by a harpsichord-esque version of Richard Marx’s Right Here Waiting, are the early indicators that we are in a distinctly transformed version of Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility, published in 1811.

This wildly popular version by New York playwright Kate Hamill has won multiple American awards and, undertaken by The State Theatre Company ensemble, adds much comedy to the novel, known as one of the greats of the romance genre.

Rashidi Edward with Miranda Daughtry  and Anna Steen in State Opera Company of South Australia’s Sense and Sensibility. Photo © Chris Herzfeld

This is an ambitious undertaking by the troupe, directed by Geordie Brookman. 29 characters are spread between nine skilled actors, and it very nearly goes off without a hitch. Lightning costume, accent and scene changes present challenges to both cast and audience; initially, we try to keep up, but relinquish the reigns as the laughter starts to flow in earnest.

Anna Steen as Elinor Dashwood and Miranda Daughtry as her younger sister Marianne are the anchors of this tale. Daughtry’s rosebud complexion matches perfectly...