A Delightful Romp Toward Happily Ever After

Reviewed by Debbie McClure

After their father quite literally drops dead, the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, are forced to find suitable wealthy husbands, but the road to romantic bliss is far from easy. Although sensible Elinor becomes smitten with Edward, a young bachelor, his intense shyness stalls any advances toward the marriage altar. Feisty Marianne seems to fare no better when her suitor, John, likewise sidesteps commitment, leaving both sisters and their mother at wits’ end about their futures.

Love is never easy, and the love of family is always a top priority. Actor/playwright Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel enchants with plenty of humour and imagination. Sense and Sensibility is a story as old as time – how to find true love and secure a suitable match. In 1800s England, it’s a delicate situation, but wit and wisdom, along with a generous sprinkling of outright fun, keep the pace light and entertaining.

This new adaption is now on stage in repertory at the Stratford Festival Theatre. Directed by Daryl Cloran, Austen’s tale comes to life on the roller coaster ride toward happily ever after. Even the scene changes are full of surprising whimsy, evoking laughter and chuckles throughout the audience.

Jessica B. Hill as Elinor and Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane as Marianne are excellent at infusing their characters with quirky personalities and delightful commentary. Add in the truly inspired performances of the “Five Gossips” and supporting cast, and you’ve got the perfect period romantic comedy.

A special nod goes to set and costume designer Dana Osborne for the unique and often hilarious scene changes throughout the performance. The audience is asked to suspend reality to be entertained by outrageous costumes and simple yet effective transitions that bring outright laughter and clapping between each change.

Sense and Sensibility is a truly delightful performance from beginning to end, and one I’d highly recommend.

Sense and Sensibility runs at the Stratford Festival Theatre until October 25th. Tickets are available at 1-800-567-1600 or local (Stratford) at 519-273-1600, or go to www.stratfordfestival.ca

Photo: Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane as Marianne Dashwood and Jessica B. Hill as Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility. Photo by David Hou.

Sense and Sensibility
Adapted by Kate Hamil
Based on the 1811 novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Daryl Cloran
Performed by Jesica B. Hill, Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane, Glynis Raney, Andrew Chown, Sara Farb, Thomas Duplessie, Seanna McKenna, Shane Carty, Christopher Allen, Jenna-Lee Hyde, Celia Aloma, Jesse Gervais, Julie Lumsden
Stratford Festival, 55 Queen Street, Stratford, Ontario
June 29 to October 25, 2025
Reviewed by Debbie McClure