Today we are speaking to Ashen Pine Productions, a team that are bringing a fun show to the Etectera Theatre this May from the 15th May. The show is focussed on the world of Jane Austen and brings this whole genre to life in a completely different way. I caught up with the team to find out more.
Hello! Tell us about yourself ?
Hello! We are Ashen Pine Productions, a grassroots theatre company that prioritises telling stories we love which resonate with our community. We are passionate about compelling, immersive work that utilises all of the magic inherent in live performance theatre.
Tell us a but about the show Nonsense and Sensibility
A classic with a twist, Nonsense and Sensibility is a comedy-drama that follows a pair of feuding actors who find themselves forced to put on a production of Sense and Sensibility entirely on their own. With shenanigans, petty arguments, a healthy dose of Austonian dialogue, and more than a little heart, audiences will no doubt fall in love with Samantha and Bartholomew as they slip, slide, and stumble their way through this beloved classic story.
How are rehearsals going?
Rehearsals are due to begin in May, though we have already built a solid base for the performance through the two R&D sessions we have had for the show. In the most recent R&D, our actors, Madeline Pell and Alastair Coughlan, worked with our playwright Sophie Pell and director Nick Delvallé to polish the script and make sure it is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. We are so excited to begin pre-show rehearsals next month!
What can you tell us about the stage set?
The set is designed to be as versatile as the multi-rolling script itself. You can expect plenty of elements used in multiple different ways, making the most of the space and encouraging the audience to become immersed in the ever-changing atmosphere.
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast
Madeline is a Joseph Jefferson Awards nominated American actor (Best Supporting Actor and Best Ensemble). She trained at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (MA Acting) and Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts (BFA Acting). Screen credits include: “The Exorcist” (FOX), and the lead in “A Sorta Fairytale” an upcoming feature film with KTDA, due for release shortly. Theatre credits include “Emma”, “A Wrinkle in Time”, “The 39 Steps” (Steve Scott of the Goodman Theatre) and “A Doll’s House” (Blanche McIntyre).
Alastair Coughlan is an actor from North Yorkshire currently based in London. In addition to having been part of the National Youth Theatre and Jamie LloydCompany: Academy, Alastair graduated from the American Academy ofDramatic Arts in 2020, where he was also the recipient of a full scholarship.Theatre includes: The Great Gatsby (European Tour); Romeo & Juliet (KennethMore Theatre); The Sound of Music, Oliver! (York Theatre Royal); Edmonds(York Theatre Royal Studio, Edinburgh Fringe); Hay Fever (New Forest OpenAir Theatre); Spring Awakening (Alexandra Palace Theatre); Juliet & Romeo(Camden Fringe – Offie Award for Best Show); Chop Me Up Or Let Me Go, Godof Carnage, Doubt (UK Tours); The Age of Consent (Helmsley Arts Centre); TheWar of the Worlds (Jeff Wayne’s Immersive Experience); Backstairs (HamptonCourt Palace)Film & TV includes: Casualty (BBC); Jay Kelly (Netflix)
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
From a story point of view, it was important to us to create a strong balance between the original Jane Austen story and the relationship between the characters of Samantha and Bartholomew who are performing the show. This definitely took some time, but we believe we have really nailed it and look forward to audiences getting to enjoy the interchanging layers of the play.
The best thing about touring the show?
The show is not currently on tour, though we do have another run accepted at another London theatre in November 2026. More details coming soon!
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
The way the script, actors, and direction have all come together to create this show has been really inspiring. What started out as a basic idea for a one- or two-person Jane Austen show has become something truly memorable and unique as a result of the combined work of the writer, director, and actors.
what is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
Our first show is this May (15th- get your tickets now!). So while we haven’t yet had feedback from audience members yet, we have had a great response from those involved in the R&D sessions, and we look forward to hearing what our audiences have to say.
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
@ashenpineproductions
@nickjdelvalle (director)
@pellsophie (writer)
@madelinepell (actor)
@alastaircoughlan (actor)
FInally in three words why should people come to your show?
Hilarity, Hope, Heart
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