Who needs to know Jane Austen’s works to perform them? Certainly not Trevor (Kyle Jensen) when he unexpectedly throws himself into a performance of her complete works with two Austenites, or Janeites (depending on how big a fan you, yourself are).
Determined to deliver their show Jessica (Bethany Cragg) and Charlotte (Meredith Clayton) enlist Trevor after the unforeseen resignation of the final piece of their original trio.
Cragg was soft and spritely as Jessica, wrapped up in the love and triumphs of Austen’s story. Clayton contrasted this character well with her more serious and grouchier take on Charlotte. My absolute favourite was Trevor as Jensen took on a variety of voices and roles fluid in both genders and had the audience in stitches. Extremely good physicality throughout his performance.
Thingwall never fail to amuse and impress me. Every show is good quality, fun and demonstrates their hard work and enthusiasm. I was no Jane Austen fan, notice the word ‘was’ until being introduced to the jovial and light-hearted workings of Thingwall Players ‘The complete works of Jane Austen, abridged’. Directed by Natasha Cragg.
Lighting was soft and homely (fitting to the Austen set and storylines) and beautifully complimented the staging. Sound was used well to help move the story along. Lighting and sound were orchestrated by Meg Doherty and Tim Saint.
A show like this relies heavily on well prepared and effective costumes, props and staging. With attention to detail Angela Clarke and Carol Golightly did a superb job of putting the audience in the right time period as they walked in with the staging (Catherine Flower) set in the late 18th/ early 19th century. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a period drama; it is set in the now with the actors simply ready on their staging and in their costumes to deliver their own show. It’s a relevant and comedic piece of theatre.
Overall, an enjoyable and fun evening which is guaranteed to give you a few laughs and open up the world of Jane Austen.
‘Witty, light-hearted and challenges the notion of romance’
Reviewer: Stephanie Wiswall
Reviewed: 18th March 2026
North West End UK Rating: