Theatre: Jane Austen’s Guide to Pornography

Date: August 26th, 2009 Author: Martin Walker
Category(s): Theatre: Jane Austen’s Guide to Pornography
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Theatre
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Jane Austen’s Guide to Pornography
Zoo Southside

Australian company Outcast Theatre return to the fringe after last years critically acclaimed sex fuelled debut, The Adventures of Butt Boy and Tigger.

This year’s show features a playwright fed up of specialising in sex scenes, who turns to the ghost of Jane Austen for advice on how to come up with something altogether more romantic.  Meanwhile the ghost, perhaps predictably, has lost interest in the likes of Mr Darcy and wants to produce something fruiter.

Despite the title, and the publicity material, there is very little actual sex here.  There is some very funny dialogue and a couple of surprisingly tender moments.  The standard of acting is higher than much on the fringe and for that the whole cast should be commended.

This is character comedy that holds the attention – even if it lacks any surprises or dramatic punch.

MW