A musical take-off of Victorian sensibilities and Jane Austen’s collective achievements, ‘Promise and Promiscuity’ will appeal to both fans of Bath’s most famous resident and almost anyone else who had to read her in high school.
Penny Ashton, performing solo, takes on multiple personalities and belts out several songs in tribute to the era of Austen.
The best parts were the blatant and profoundly anachronistic references to modern pop culture, with Billy Joel, Dirty Dancing and Gangman Style rating mentions, amongst others. A few too many overstated cultural nods made the gimmick a little tired, with the subtle gags being overshadowed by glaringly obvious references to Brittney Spears and Kim Kardashian.
Ashton jumps quickly between the characters which can be very confusing, though anyone who’s familiar with Jane Austen’s more famous works will be up on much of the plot, a combination of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and a few other storylines.
Thoroughly enjoyable, even if you’re not too familiar with the subject matter, ‘Promise and Promiscuity’ is a well-constructed and very affectionate take on the Austen canon.
For more information about the show visit Adelaide Fringe
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