First Look at Austenland, Savoy Theatre

Written by Philip for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets. We were not encouraged to write a review but wanted to share our thoughts on the potential that this musical has.

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Austenland truly burst onto the stage tonight at the Savoy Theatre and it is pure joy. You sit and relax and it’s not long before you journey back to Regency England. Our tale is one of desire, lust and scandal at every turn. Ditching hum drum reality favours a drama-filled holiday of the fabricated variety. Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald’s vision is indeed very silly but is so much fun and remarkably charming. 

Our story follows Jane Hayes, an unlucky in love 33 year old who longs to find love and romance. Unable to find it at home she travels from the USA to an immersive resort called Austenland for 3 weeks of escapism. By playing by the rules of the era, you are fully engulfed in a world by design. Jane finds a suitor but is he all he seems? Is the man she finds herself drawn to the real deal or is he an actor paid to play along? This Jane Austen come Bridgerton romp is an absolute hoot and comes in at a very reasonable 100 minutes. It is perhaps slightly long for a one act musical. As a work in progress, it is in a great place but would benefit from either shaving 10 minutes off or adding some time on and making it two full acts. 

The Libretto by Picoult and McDonald is witty and light. It doesn’t take itself too seriously in the slightest. Though the pacing does feel off in places, it is so comical it doesn’t matter too much. Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson provide the music and lyrics and what brilliant songs they are. Though you do not necessarily leave with any particular tune or earworm, the songs are a lot of fun. Musically they dip into genre after genre, each song trying to match the quirky energy of whichever character is singing. They are fizzing with energy and humour. 

The cast led by Lucie Jones are exceptional.  Each adds layers to given characters. Jones as Jane Hayes, our protagonist, is the most sensible. She is strong, smart and sensible. She is with the audience completely when watching what is going on around her. Jones is a delight. She radiates warmth and it helps people connect with Hayes, the only somewhat ‘real’ character in the show. Oli Higginson and Daniel Krikler play opposing rivals for Jane’s affection, Nobley and Martin. Both have two distinct sides to their characters without giving too much. Higginson is so wonderfully aloof as Nobley. He is shy and stuck up and cutting yet vulnerable all at once. Some might say the perfect Mr Darcy. Krikler is oh so charming and charismatic even while playing down to earth. The humour however is injected by a myriad of other characters. Alex Young embodies Elizabeth Charming, another American guest to Austenland. Young made the audience cackle left, right and centre. Young’s Charming was a huge highlight. She is a comedy genius. Other notable mentions include Idriss Kargbo as the flamboyant Manly, Laura Baldwin as Miss Heartwright, the over-the-top IT girl and Cassidy Janson who blessed us with two hilarious turns as Aunt Carolyn and the ever so uptight Wattlesbrook. George Ioannides and Stephenson Ardern-Sodje played a pair of absolutely swoon-worthy suitors mixing class and side splitting humour. These supremely talented aforementioned performers were joined by an equally talented ensemble. Bravo one and all. 

Austenland is full of fun, frolics and laughter and I for one, dear reader, do hope it has a further life. It may need few tweaks here and there but is a real escape for a couple of hours. 

Austenland played at the Savoy Theatre on 24th March.