A South Canterbury theatre company is preparing to bring another Jane Austen story to life this winter.
Aidan Theatre will be staging Sense and Sensibility at the Timaru Scottish Hall on Barnard St, July 22-26.
The classic story follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who are left financially destitute after their father’s death.
The sisters must navigate societal pressures, love and heartbreak as they seek new homes and financial security.
Director Kimble Henderson said the production was into its third week of rehearsals.
“Things are ticking along very nicely, we’ve got a very exciting cast that’s full of energy and there is a good mix of old and new faces.
“The magic is definitely starting to happen, which is very exciting.”
Audiences could expect a show that was very true to the story of Sense and Sensibility but with a few modern twists such as the music, she said.
“Kate Hamill has written a really clever play, it’s no wonder it’s done the rounds around the world.
We’ve got the manners, the high society gossips, carriage rides, dinners and all the beauty that you would expect of a Jane Austen work.
“And it’s all done within two hours.”
The company had staged previous Austen works in recent years, such as Pride and Prejudice in 2024 and Emma in 2023.
The play touched on themes that were still very relevant in the present day, Mrs Henderson said.
“It hits so many, especially connection, community and the fact that we can’t do it alone and that we need our families, be they blood or the ones we’ve made to support us through highs and lows.
“It also touches a lot on gossip, what do you believe these days? Something on social media can spread like wildfire just as gossip does, be it true or not.
“There’s also a lot about staying strong to who you are and your convictions.”
VIP, general admission and concession tickets can be bought from the Humanitix website.
Group deals can also be arranged by contacting Aidan Theatre for more information.
