The internet generation has an obvious infatuation with period drama adjacent shows, and there seems to be a never-ending conveyor belt of production to feed this appetite. Bridgerton and the new “Wuthering Heights” adaptation are just around the corner, and as an Austen fan myself, I’m always intrigued by a show that gives a nod to a fairytale-like bygone era.
Enter Lady Clementine. A hopeless romantic, with neither sense nor sensibility. If Charlotte Lucas was chronically online and high on opium; our heroine prances around the stage lamenting her lowly life without love.
Clementine is turning 27, has no husband and no prospects. She has til midnight to turn her life around and instead of turning inward, she’s asking for guidance from the universe. An hour of non-stop frolicking and fun interaction ensue, where the audience can’t help but be swept up with the joyful delirium of Rosalie Minnitt’s character.
Like a regency Fleabag, Minnitt encompasses all the hunger of a young, obsessive woman, and yet contrasts this with the wit and presence of a skilled master of ceremony. She takes hold of her audience and never loosens the grip.
Through ballad interludes, ridiculous multi-roling and audience participation, Minnit is incessantly hilarious. Her energy and charm carry the show, and both are ridiculously dynamic.
With this bold fever dream of a show, I can only applaud the director, Tristan Robinson. The high energy rapid fire of Minnit’s storytelling never feels overwhelming or inaccessible. A stage adorned with the usual sitting room furniture, has enough flair and colour to make the audience aware that we’re in a past/present hybrid, and clever usage of props, projector and lighting all assist in the absurdity.
The contemporary references peppered throughout are relatable, witty and above all, funny as hell. Hearing a debutant talk of manifesting and her “main character energy” is not only comical, it’s clever. Clementine is not untouchable like the old school Bennets, she’s more like a girl you know from high school, who’s partial to a bonnet.
Clementine in one word is simply, FUN. It’s hysterical and ridiculous in the best way. But it’s also a love letter to the girlies. We may still romanticise over the Mr Darcy’s of our time, but Clementine shows us that other types of love may be even more life changing. If you can’t already tell, I loved it. By the end of the show, my face was stuck in a smile. I’ll be telling everyone to grab a ticket, so go and see for yourself how much fun Clementine is.
Clementine tours UK theatres till June and you can find tickets and dates at the link below:
https://linktr.ee/rosalieminnitt
Reviewer: Coral Mourant
Reviewed: 23rd January 2026
North West End UK Rating: