Sense and Sensibility – live

A large audience is expected for Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, the first in the summer season of four open air plays at one of England’s best supported venues.

It’s a first too for Chapterhouse Theatre Company who come to Lytham Hall for the opening night of their summer tour of Sense and Sensibility which will take them to venues throughout England, Scotland Wales and Ireland for 56 performances over the four summer months.

Katy Helps will play the key lead role of Elinor Dashwood for Lincoln-based Chapterhouse in a show produced by Richard Main.

Katy who trained at the Mountview Academy is excited to be playing the most exacting role of her career.

“The success of television series like Downton Abbey and Cranford have made stage productions of romantic novels very popular right now and this is a very thoughtful adaptation of Jane Austen’s book by Laura Turner.

“I feel that my own role is the key to our success and after five weeks of rehearsals I can’t wait to get started.”

Graham Hill, who plays the dashing Edward Ferrars, is looking forward to the superb setting Lytham Hall offers for outdoor theatre.

“I know that Lytham Hall’s outdoor arena is quiet and away from traffic noise, so we are all looking forward to playing there.

“Last year sadly we had a deluge for Pride and Prejudice, but I am optimistic that our tour will get off to an encouraging start in front of a Lytham audience which is always knowledgeable and enthusiastic.”

After some sunny days in May and early June advance tickets have been selling very well and open air theatre organiser Julian Wilde is also expecting a large number of customers to pay at the gate.

“I think that everyone is in the mood to enjoy the array of outdoor events on offer in Lytham this summer, whatever the weather, and I am sure that the picnickers and playgoers will be out in force at Lytham Hall.

“I am confident that Sense and Sensibility will get the season off to a fine start – hopefully in every sense!”

Gates will open at 6pm and the play which starts at 7.30 will finish around 10 pm. The audience should bring their own seating and suitably warm clothes.

Ps. Julian has spent weeks learning astronomy and he’s hoping for a bright, dry night!

By Julian Wilde