REVIEW: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY @ ARCHES LANE THEATRE

🎭 Sense and Sensibility

📍 Arches Lane Theatre, 8 Arches Lane, London, SW11 8AB

🗓 Wednesday 16th September 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

A FAREWELL FLING WITH FRANTIC FINERY

I had a rather bittersweet feeling as I headed to Arches Lane Theatre in Battersea earlier this week. I always enjoy a trip to this friendly venue, but unfortunately, this was to be my final visit. In what is a huge blow to the culture of Battersea, the landlords have terminated the lease, meaning this vibrant creative hub is closing its doors for good at the end of the month.

But what a way to go out!

For their final act, they’ve brought us Jane Austen’s classic romance, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, presented by Thick as Thieves. We all know the story - the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, are left financially vulnerable after their father’s death and must navigate the brutal, gossipy highs and lows of Regency society. It’s a tale of heartbreak, societal expectations, and finding love against the odds.

Now, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is a tried-and-tested hit, so what could Nicky Diss's adaptation offer that's different?

Firstly, I really enjoyed the highly comedic bent. The songs which bookended each act were brilliantly funny, and I absolutely adored the frantic energy driving the evening. The performers moved set pieces around the stage themselves, effortlessly changing pictures and windows to suit the scene. The pacing is incredibly quick, but I loved it. It keeps you on your toes and never lets the energy drop for a second.

It was all performed by a talented quintet of actors, who seamlessly shifted between a multitude of characters. Their rapid costume changes added to the wonderful chaos, and I enjoyed how they constantly broke the fourth wall, inviting members of the audience to become part of the action. I was even invited on stage to dance! I don't know whether the occasional mistakes made were intentional or whether they were genuine fluffs, but they somehow added to the charm and brilliance of the evening.

The cast themselves had a great energy to them. Thomas Judd took on several dashing characters throughout, but it was his turn as the wonderfully gregarious Mrs Jennings that absolutely stole the show. Grace Kelly Miller wonderfully embodied the steady restraint of Elinor and had impeccable comedic timing as Sir John Middleton, bringing a brilliant, boisterous life to the stage. Laura Cooper-Jones was utterly captivating as Marianne, capturing all the sweeping romanticism and dramatic passion of the character perfectly. Meanwhile, Laura Smithers brought an outstanding comedic energy to each role she tackled, completely throwing herself into every character with zero boundaries. Balancing out the madness, Kaysha Woollery was seemingly the calm in the chaos, giving a performance that kept the entire production beautifully grounded.

I highly recommend grabbing a ticket to this show. Not only will you be guaranteed a great night out, but you'll be supporting this fantastic community venue in its final days. Get down to Battersea and help them go out with the standing ovation they deserve.

Performances continue until Sunday 27th September. CLICK HERE to get your tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair, and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of Sense and Sensibility was gifted by Matthew Parker PR, who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given. 

CAST:

Laura Cooper-Jones as Marianne Dashwood / Anne Steele / Mrs Ferrars; Thomas Judd as Edward Ferrars / John Willoughby / John Dashwood / Mrs Jennings; Grace Kelly Miller as Elinor Dashwood / Sir John Middleton; Laura Smithers as Fanny Dashwood / Mrs Palmer / Lucy Steele / Margaret Dashwood; Kaysha Woolery as Mrs Dashwood / Colonel Brandon / Mr Palmer / Robert Ferrars

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 10 minutes, including interval

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