Whether you are an avid reader, TV viewer, a cinema fan or a theatregoer, Jane Austen is a major drawcard. The audiences love to soak in the luscious costumes and the innocent lifestyle. By great demand, Esther Longhurst and Jessica Messenger bring you this delightful show for the third time. With every show in the past being sold out, there are bound to be a few disappointed punters this time too.

The show’s lighting and sound were smoothly operated by Mistress Amanda Ash.

The two exuberant stars are both Western Australian Theatresports champions, a much coveted title requiring a special skill and style of acting. Completely unscripted, this talented couple improvise many well-known scenes from the works of Austen.

To the music ‘The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba’, Mistresses Esther Longhurst and Jessica Messenger made their entrance to rapturous applause. After asking the audience a few questions about Jane Austen, a young lady was selected from the audience and asked about a love affair she has had – not to probing. The actors tucked the facts away in their minds for use later.
Using a basic, typical structure or story thread of an Austen book, the story was told. The actors cleverly built up the characters and the story achieved a rich depth as the show progressed. This was spontaneity at its best. With numerous bonnets and hats the nineteenth century story unfolded. Whacky props were used in this fast moving show. There were even a couple of real tears from Miss ‘Felicity’ Longhurst when her love (a special appearance last night of Mr Spontaneity, Glen Hall) left her for other shores.

It was obvious that the actors had an excellent knowledge of the Austen books, the numerous abandonments, grave diseases and the lavish dinners and balls. The double-entendres and puns were numerous. They covered all the moods, from passion to humour – and there were plenty of belly laughs. Great entertainment from a talented team.

This 65-minute Ellandar Production, under the supervision of producer Belinda Huggins, has been developed with assistance of The Ground Floor Program. It can be seen in the main theatre at The Blue Room in the Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Northbridge nightly at 7.00 until Saturday the 5^th December.

To left of the stage is the gifted musical director, Suzanne Kasowits, providing – live – a varied soundscape and playing the double bass.

Designer, Tessa Darcey has designed a set (built by Josh Walker) around a collection of high daises. There is a sitting room with a bar area on the higher level; at ground level, towards the side of the stage, is a hospital bed. Lighting designer, Emma Caitlin Brown has effectively created the warmth of the home and the stark white light of the hospital ward. The stage manager was Daley King.

       Naomi (Erin Jay Hutchinson) is about to have her thirtieth birthday, and whether or not it is due to the horror of reaching her third decade, she is confused and possibly on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Who better to help her than her best friend, Tegan (Esther Longhurst)? Tegan is a theoretical science nerd, who believes that every problem in the universe can be answered by the scientific logic of quantum mechanics; whether it is world pollution or a family problem.

Tegan and Naomi chat about recent events, such as why Naomi left her boring, Bible-thumping husband (Nick Maclaine) for a more stable, exciting life with a highflying solicitor, John (Josh Walker).

      Did Naomi do the right thing by leaving her husband? What were the alternatives? What if she had been someone else in the same circumstances?

Jess has created an intelligent, interwoven script with fresh ideas and brilliant dialogue. The storyline has you wondering at first what is happening, then like a jigsaw the piece fall satisfactorily into place.

The play starts with scat singing – improvised jazz singing – a very difficult technique to conquer, but the cast were most competent. At several points in the play, Erin gave us a powerful and touching solo. Her singing and musical delivery were outstanding.

This poignant tale has some very moving moments, superbly acted by the two female leads. You can really feel their anguish.

Jess Messenger’s direction, mentored by Humphry Bower, creates fascination in the storyline whilst holding the attention. Most of the cast are renowned for their comedy plays, and so conquering this deep, fast moving drama was a new challenge. The characters were real, alive and instantly recognisable. Great work by a well-respected team.