This month we go behind the scenes of the show Clementine and celebrate comedy, theatre and the world of Jane Austen.This week we are talking about the show and the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen.
What are the key themes in Clementine?
Romance, narcissism and sylvanian families.
Its Jane Austen 250th anniversary of her birthday, are you doing anything special to celebrate this?
In many ways performing Clementine already feels like a little celebration of Jane Austen. Her work is so embedded in our cultural imagination that it’s impossible to write something set in that world without feeling her influence somewhere in the background. I think the nicest way to mark the anniversary is simply by revisiting her work and remembering how sharp, funny and observant she was. It’s quite extraordinary that stories written over two centuries ago still feel so relevant and enjoyable today.
How has Jane Austen inspired you?
I’ve always admired how brilliantly observant she is about people. Her characters feel incredibly real, even though they exist within a very particular historical world. What I love most is that her writing is genuinely funny and she has this wonderful ability to gently mock social conventions while still having real affection for the people inside them. That balance of warmth and satire is something I find really inspiring when writing comedy.
What are your favourite works by the author?
Pride and Prejudice is probably the one I return to the most because it’s just such a perfect novel; it’s romantic, witty and full of incredibly memorable characters. I also love Emma, because Emma is such a flawed but fascinating heroine. There’s something very satisfying about watching a character be slightly ridiculous while still rooting for them.
What makes her so special?
I think it’s the combination of her humour and her insight. She understood human behaviour so well; the small vanities, misunderstandings and social pressures that shape people’s lives. Even though the settings are very different from today, the emotional truths still feel completely recognisable. That’s why her work continues to resonate with audiences centuries later.
Tell us about the set! What can audiences expect?
The set is quite playful – I’ve taken a lot from my childhood. I’ve kept it simple though because I need to be able to transport it and also the character to be the main event.
And of course the outfits – tell us all about them!
The costumes are such an important part of stepping into her world. Once you’re in the dress and everything is in place it really helps you inhabit the character. The moment the costume goes on you feel like Clementine has arrived.
Has it been difficult adding modern culture and modern themes to the show? What is the one you are most proud of?
I love playing with the contrast between the past and modern life. When you place things like contemporary dating culture or social media alongside those very traditional expectations about marriage and reputation, it highlights how strange some of those ideas can seem.
Finally three words why people should come to the show
Joyful. Romantic. Ridiculous.
Welcome to The Phoenix Remix 