When their father dies unexpectedly, the future seems bleak for the Dashwood sisters of Norland Park, as their older half-brother inherits the estate, and they are impoverished. Spineless brother John and his haughty, stingy wife, Fanny, establish themselves immediately after the funeral, leaving Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters as unwelcome guests in their own home. Fanny’s kind, mild-mannered brother, Edward Ferrars, comes for a visit, and develops a friendship with sensible eldest sister, Elinor… is it merely esteem and admiration, or something more?
Sensitive, emotional middle sister Marianne is sure that Edward is passionately in love, but cautious Elinor takes nothing for granted.
The Dashwoods soon move to their new home, a cottage on the estate of cousin Sir John Middleton. There, Marianne acquires two suitors of her own: Colonel Brandon, whose age and quietly melancholy disposition leave her cold, and John Willoughby, a handsome, dashing man, passionately fond of poetry, who rescues her from a rainy ramble gone awry. Eagerly giving her heart to Willoughby, Marianne does not bother to hide her preference, scorning the convention and the scoldings of her elder sister that she should modify her behavior or risk her reputation.
When Willoughby leaves without warning or promise, and is discovered to have married a wealthy heiress, Marianne’s heartbreak endangers her health and exposes her to the ridicule of society. And when Elinor discovers that Edward is secretly engaged to manipulative fortune-hunter Lucy Steele, her own hopes for happiness are dashed.
Supported by their love for each other, the Dashwood sisters must navigate the delicate rules of Regency society, before they can arrive at not-quite-fairytale happy endings.
Jane Austen’s classic novel is brought to life in Kate Hamill’s brilliantly funny, fast-paced stage adaptation, which utilizes a chorus of lively Gossips to enhance the sense of a socially stifling world, and encourages inventive choreography, bold characterization, and creative doubling to produce a fresh take on a well-beloved story.
Note: Playwright Hamill encourages an ensemble of creatively double-cast actors, but sets no rules on cast size or which characters should double with which, other than that the actors playing Elinor and Marianne should not be doubled.
All characters (except Elinor and Marianne) may double other roles and the Gossips.
Elinor Dashwood (female-presenting, mid 20s-late 30s to play early-mid 20s) The eldest sister, Elinor represents “sense” in this story. She is her mother’s counselor; cautious when she falls in love, but loves sincerely, and is deeply devoted to her younger sister, Marianne. She is deeply in love with Edward Ferrars. (Will share a kiss with Edward.)
Marianne Dashwood (female-presenting, mid 20s-mid 30s to play late teens-early 20s) Middle sister Marianne is overly-sensitive, emotional and clever, but eager in everything; her sorrows, her joys, have no moderation. Sings and plays the piano. Deeply in love with John Willoughby. (Will sing 1 or 2 traditional song excerpts and share kisses with Willoughby and Brandon.)
Margaret Dashwood (female-presenting, any age to play 10-14) The youngest sister, Margaret is just as romantic and silly as her mother and Marianne, and will no doubt continue to be so as she grows up. She loves intervening in the matters of grownups, and she can’t wait to be one herself. (Will double as Gossip in some scenes)
Mrs. Dashwood (female presenting, to play 40-60) Mother/widow. She had a husband to take care of her, then a practical daughter to take up the mantle of responsibility. She is a decent mom when it comes to coddling her daughters, but overall, she’s not the most pragmatic of ladies. Mrs. Dashwood is kind of a grown-up version of Marianne and is inclined to follow her heart. (Will double as Gossip in some scenes)
Edward Ferrars (male-presenting, mid 20s-late 30s to play early-late 20s) He has been bullied and domineered by his family members since he was a child, so he isn’t in total control of his life. Edward did once (secretly) disobey Mummy Dearest, and is now living to regret it. Edward isn’t just a weak-willed, namby-pamby pushover. He is a really good, kind, sensitive guy, and his pensive nature is a natural match for Elinor’s own. (will double as Robert Ferrars and share a kiss with Elinor)
Colonel Brandon (male-presenting, late 30s-early 50s to play mid 40s) Much older than the Dashwood sisters and smitten with Marianne at first sight. He’s dignified and well-to-do, a sensitive soul, even though his exterior seems unflappable, even remote. His quiet persona hides a deeply intellectual inner self. He deals with significant emotional trauma in an admirably mature, applause-worthy fashion. The ultimate combination of feeling and logic and comes off as the only real grownup in this whole cast of characters. (Actor must be able to carry an adult female actor and will share a kiss with Marianne)
John Willoughby (male-presenting, mid 20s-late 30s to play early-late 20s) On his first appearance, Willoughby appears to be the romantic hero of the story; however, he soon reveals his malicious traits. Handsome, charming and seemingly gallant manners. Attracted to Marianne, he pays her great attention until he finds a richer/more attractive lady. He is definitely a player of people’s hearts. (Actor must be able to carry an adult female actor and will share a kiss with Marianne)
John Dashwood (male-presenting, late 30s-mid 50s to play early 40s) Weak and easily influenced by his wife. As such, he fails to fulfill the promise made to his father to provide financially for Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters. (will double as Gossip in some scenes and The Doctor)
Fanny Dashwood (female-presenting, early 30s-early 50s to play early 30s, may be a drag role) John Dashwood’s domineering, selfish, and manipulative wife, Fanny Dashwood is the sister of Edward and Robert Ferrars. (must be comfortable with puppetry and will double as gossip in some scenes)
Sir John Middleton (male-presenting, to play 50s-60s) Boisterous and openly shares his opinion on the Dashwood girls’ love lives with Mrs. Jennings. (Will double as Gossip in some scenes and as Thomas)
Lady Middleton (female-presenting, late 30s-early 40s to play late 20s) Over-bred woman and wife of Sir John Middleton (will be lead Gossip)
Mrs. Jennings (female-presenting, late 50s-early 70s) Lady Middleton’s gossipy but goodhearted mother, Mrs. Jennings invites Elinor and Marianne to stay with her in London during the winter and makes it her “project” to get them married as soon as possible. (Will double as Gossip)
Robert Ferrars (same actor as Edward) Younger, conceited brother of Edward and Fanny.
Lucy Steele (female-presenting, mid 20s-late 30s to play early-mid 20s) A distant cousin of Mrs. Jennings. Seems good intentioned, but always speaks with her interests in mind. (will double as Gossip in some scenes)
Anne Steele (female-presenting, mid 30s-late 40s to play late 20s- early 30s) Lucy’s older, unmarried sister, indiscreet and jabbermouth. (will double as Gossip in some scenes)
Gossips (various ages 4 – 6 in total varying scene to scene) a chorus of high-society creatures that will also play other various characters, assist with scene transfers, dance, sing, and at times be part of the “furniture” (no special talent necessary, but some will assist with lifts and spotting and will be crawling or lying on floor), laugh and help keep the fun going.
All stages intimacy will be handled by a trained Intimacy Coordinator using sustainable, consent-based practices.
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Note: all roles require a proper or Received English accent. Do your best with this at auditions.