Critical Reviews

From the obligatory I-love-showbiz show-stopping song (by Matt Board and Joe Slabe), to the payoff in the group’s final performance, which culminates in a tap dance contest between the Victorian protagonists, Elizabeth and Lydia Bennet, this piece hits its targets, keeps up its pacing and is very funny.

Punctuated by spangly musical numbers, this is a satirical ode to all the foibles of classic novel adaptations. From laughable plot embellishments, gratuitous violence, cringeworthy simulations of Austen’s syntax, and even Colin Firth’s wet shirt, nothing gets overlooked…Boasting sharp lyrics, super-slick acting and an utterly hilarious script, this is exactly the kind of London fringe musical that ought to get snapped up by the West End.

The writing in Austentatious — both the lyrics and book — is sharp, funny and occasionally moving and poignant…Unlike its fictional play-within-a-play, the cast of Austentatious deliver musically superb, as well as riotously funny performances.

The best night out I have had in a theatre for a very long time…I laughed till the tears ran down my cheeks then laughed some more.

From its title it is obvious this is not your mother’s Jane Austen…a bright, bouncy new musical that introduces a talented band of debuting writers.

The five-strong team of authors has bolstered the whimsical concept with jazzily attractive songs, oversized characters, and bottomless creativity when it comes to finding jokes… it ends with one of the more hilarious sequences I’ve seen in a long time. Who knew that Jane Austen’s work could inspire so much silly fun?

[Austentatious] offers everything from snickers and chuckles to knee-slapping guffaws. When the troupe finally puts on its version of Pride and Prejudice, it’s outrageous slapstick tomfoolery that is greeted with deafening laughter and wild applause.

From audition to opening night, the audience is taken on a whirlwind that leaves them gasping for breath with laughter… I will instead simply state that if you love theatre, you need to see this show.