CASTING INFORMATION

Adapted from Jane Austen’s novel “Sense & Sensibility”, Kate Hamill creates a fast-paced, witty and joyful play that pokes fun at the ills of romance and society. The pace, timing and style of the text is light and fun, with moments of emotional depth and sweetness.

Dialect will be in RP (Received Pronunciation), which will be taught during rehearsals. For practice before auditions, watch “Downton Abbey” for reference. 

Cast includes 13 named characters, and 5-7 ensemble members who will perform as “Gossips” as well as chair jockeys, trees, horses, dogs, lightposts, all kinds of things. Total cast = 18-20.

Style of costumes and hair is Regency (1790s - 1830s). Think Bridgerton.

Character Descriptions :

ALL CHARACTERS CAN BE ANY ETHNICITY.

Elinor Dashwood: Age: 18-25. Female Identifying. The “sense” of the title. Intelligent, reserved, and composed, Elinor strives to do what’s right—often at great emotional cost. A steady presence in a chaotic world.

Marianne Dashwood: Age: 16-19. Female Identifying. The “sensibility.” Romantic, impulsive, and passionate. Marianne wears her heart on her sleeve and lives for love and poetry. She is emotionally fearless but naive.

Mrs. Dashwood: Age: 40-50. Female Identifying.The widowed mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. Warm-hearted and caring, though not always practical.

Margaret Dashwood: Age: 12-13. Female Identifying.The youngest Dashwood sister. A spirited, curious child. Almost a tom-boy in her non-traditional interests of maps and adventures.

Edward Ferrars: Age: 16-19. Male Identifying. Elinor’s shy, kind-hearted love interest. Gentle and honorable, but trapped by duty and indecision.

Colonel Brandon: Age: 35-45. Male Identifying. A reserved, older suitor of Marianne. Deeply loyal and emotionally wounded, he’s the soul of quiet devotion.

John Willoughby: Age: 25-35. Male Identifying. Charming, dashing, and reckless. A romantic anti-hero who wins Marianne’s heart—then breaks it.

John Dashwood: Age: 30-40. Male Identifying.Half-brother to the Dashwood sisters. The eldest and firstborn, he is the sole inheritor of their Father’s money and estate. Weak-willed and easily manipulated by his wife.

Fanny Dashwood: Age: 25-30. Female Identifying.John’s snobbish, manipulative wife. Ruthlessly self-interested, she ensures the Dashwood women get nothing.

Mrs. Jennings: Age: 45-55. Female Identifying.A well-meaning but tactless matchmaker. Bawdy, boisterous, and comedic. Mother-in-Law to Sir John.

Sir John Middleton: Age: 55-65. Male Identifying.A jovial, generous cousin who offers the Dashwoods a cottage. Warm, loud, and full of enthusiasm. Has lots of dogs.

Lucy Steele: Age: 20-25. Female Identifying.A cunning and socially ambitious young woman. Manipulative and insincere—especially toward Elinor.

Anne Steele: Age: 18-22. Female Identifying.Lucy’s silly, gossip-loving sister.

Ensemble – “The Gossips”  (5-7)

• Male & Female Presenting/Identifying. Ages: Varied.
• Serve as society, chorus, and multiple roles.
• Traits: Giddy, judgmental, physical, comedic.
• Acting Notes: Requires quick character shifts, strong physicality, and ensemble timing.
• Will also perform as Chair Jockeys, dogs, horses, shrubberies, the odd lighting fixture.