Drama group tells story of Persuasion with a new twist

Stafford Players brings a new retelling of Persuasion, Jane Austen’s tale of passion, redemption and rediscovery. It is an adaptation by the society’s Jo Bradley.

Persuasion will be performed in the Malcolm Edwards Theatre (MET) at Stafford Gatehouse, from Tuesday February 11 to Saturday February 15.

A spokesman for the group said: "The story tells how eight years previously, Anne Elliot fell in love with young naval commander, Frederick Wentworth. Faced with opposition on the grounds of his lack of fortune, and persuaded to refuse his proposal, Anne has never forgotten her first love, or forgiven herself for letting him go. Now Wentworth is back. Can Anne overcome his resentment, and her own regret?

"The leading roles of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth are being embraced with enthusiasm by Stafford Players regulars Clare Balkwill and Dave Parton, fresh from their success as Alice Tinker and Owen Newitt in the Players’ recent critically-acclaimed production of The Vicar of Dibley.

"In total, Persuasion boasts a cast of nine actors playing fourteen roles, and audiences will be delighted to be reunited with favourites such as Keith Minshull, David Harfield, Sarah Sanderson, Carly Smith, Andrea Keady, Joseph Jenkinson and Linet Carter.

"Alongside the central romance, Austen’s signature acerbity and wit are brought to life through the characters who surround the lovers, and add warmth, humour, villainy and absurdity to the tale."

Performances begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are £11, concessions £10 and can be purchased at staffordgatehousetheatre or by ringing 01785 619080.