ED2013 3/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews

Mansfield Presents Lovers Vows (Charlotte Productions)

By | Published on Tuesday 20 August 2013

With a press release that used the word “metatextual”, I’ll admit I was worried about how heavy this play could get. But the show was actually wonderfully frothy and silly, as we see the characters from Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’ put on ‘Lover’s Vows’ by  Elizabeth Inchbald. Both are neglected pieces of literature and, although I can safely say that Mrs Inchbald’s work should have remained dead, it was interesting to get a fresh look at Austen’s characters. The acting is generally excellent, especially Xan Herring as the terrifying Mrs Norris, though the deliberately hammy acting in the inner play can occasionally slow the pace. This light, witty and lavish production undoubtedly brings new life to ‘Mansfield Park’.

Paradise in Augustine’s, until 17 Aug (not 11,12), 12.05pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Isobel Steer]



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