At the Queensland premiere of her one-woman show ‘Promise & Promiscuity’, Penny Ashton treated the audience to a riotous yet sentimental parody of Jane Austen’s classic works.
An entertaining romp paying particular homage to two of Austen’s most known works (‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’), the show follows the trials and tribulations of writer Elsbeth Slowtree and her pursuit for love.
Using voice, posture, mannerisms and facial expressions, Penny brought to life nine characters that are faithful caricatures of some of Austen’s most celebrated characters. A lover of Austen’s books and Hollywood’s take on them, I revelled in watching Penny imitate the silly little sister, the dashing suitor full of bravado, and the snobbish, upper class relation who positively bristled with disdain towards her ‘lower fruit’ relations.
My favourite character however was undoubtedly the meddlesome mother, Mrs Slowtree, whom Penny portrayed with the perfect amount of 'beseechment', hyperventilating outrage and mollification.
Diehard Austen fans would have enjoyed spotting the 33 quotes pulled straight from the pages of her works, however it was Penny’s clever application of pop culture references that drew the biggest laughs. Lyrics from Britney Spears’ ‘Baby One More Time’ appeared in a declaration of love, Elsbeth’s pirate-themed literary works (published by Flamingo Books) were called ’50 Shades of Arrr!’ and the Mr Darcy caricature, Digby Dalton, saved the day on his horse, Triton.
Penny’s stamina did not waver once during the 70 minute show, no small feat given the high energy nature of her monologue. Whether hopping nimbly from side to side to enact a conversation in a moving carriage, belting out songs with the enthusiasm of an animated Disney heroine, or period dancing with an audience member, Penny performed with gusto and heart.
With this year marking the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death, it is wonderful that talents such as Penny are keeping her works fresh and relevant. If you ever get the chance to see ‘Promise & Promiscuity’ be sure to do so. The alternative is far too vexing to indulge.
