REVIEW: NONSENSE AND SENSIBILITY at The Etcetera Theatre 15–22 May 2026
"a frenetic romp that feels like "Sense & Sensibility" on speed"
★★★★
NONSENSE AND SENSIBILITY from Ashen Pine Productions delivers an energetic, genuinely affectionate parody of Austen that is both chaotic farce and, most impressively, a coherent distillation of Austen’s plot in just 40 minutes.
Written by Sophie Pell and directed by Nick Delvalle, the play centres on Bartholomew (Gareth Balai) and Samantha (Madeline Pell), two squabbling actors mid-run of "Sense & Sensibility" whose ensemble has walked out, leaving them no choice but to perform the entire play themselves. What follows is a spiralling act of theatrical ego, sabotage and improvisational brilliance as the pair attempt to outdo one another while somehow keeping Austen’s narrative afloat.
The result is a frenetic romp that feels like "Sense & Sensibility" on speed. The production’s breakneck pace is one of its greatest strengths: it creates a carefully orchestrated sense of chaos in which character identities overlap, allowing the audience to revel in the absurdity while still tracking both the Austen plot and the escalating rivalry between the two performers.
While the comedy is broad and often delightfully manic, the production resists the temptation to undercut every emotional beat. Moments such as Elinor’s distress when her sister is taken ill are allowed to land with sincerity rather than being deflated for laughs, giving the piece a welcome emotional range, and making it more impactful.
The gender-swapping and rapid-fire character shifts are particularly effective, adding an additional layer of theatrical playfulness without feeling gimmicky. Much of the pleasure lies in watching two performers constantly recalibrate in real time, sometimes embodying multiple characters within seconds, yet still maintaining clarity through voice, posture and props.
Both performances are strong. Madeline Pell brings a likable, grounded energy to Samantha, balancing her role as Elinor Dashwood with the character’s mounting frustration. There is a convincing sense that Samantha is both trying to keep the show together and prove herself the more capable actor, which gives her arc real tension. Gareth Balai is equally impressive, switching between multiple characters with unnerving precision. Each character is given distinct physicality and vocal texture, so that even in the most frenetic exchanges his transitions remain clear and sharply drawn. Together, the pair generate a combustible stage dynamic that sustains the production’s energy throughout.
Visually, the production is minimal but effective: a fireplace, hatstand and two chairs provide just enough grounding to suggest Austen’s world. Costumes and props are historically accurate without fussiness, and Nick Delvalle’s direction is assured throughout, keeping the frantic pace controlled and coherent.
If there is a slight reservation, it is with the ending. While the Austen narrative resolves neatly, the Bartholomew and Samantha storyline feels as though it could benefit from a more explicit epilogue. A brief dressing-room scene reflecting on what they have learned about each other and how their relationship has shifted would have offered a more satisfying emotional resolution. As it stands, ending on Elinor and Edward’s conclusion slightly sidelines the contemporary arc on which the production is built.
Nevertheless, this is a confident and inventive piece of comic theatre that works whether or not you know "Sense & Sensibility". Ashen Pine Productions have created a lively, well-balanced show that understands both the mechanics of farce and the value of restraint, and cleverly keeps its chaos under control - just about.
Ashen Pine Productions Presents
NONSENSE AND SENSIBILITY
The Etcetera Theatre
15–22 May
Box Office: https://www.etceteratheatrecamden.com/events/nonsense-and-sensibility-8j8yz
