Fred Fergus will star as Captain Wentworth in Jeff James and James Yeatman’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, opening at Rose Theatre on 3 March 2022, with previews from 26 February and running until 19 March 2022.
The production will then run at Alexandra Palace from 7 to 30 April 2022, followed by Oxford Playhouse from 4 to 14 May 2022. This is a Rose Original and Alexandra Palace production in association with Oxford Playhouse.
This version of Austen’s Persuasion has been riotously re-imagined for the twenty-first century and features a soundtrack of Frank Ocean, Dua Lipa and Cardi B! In this captivating adaptation, Jeff James and James Yeatman retain the quick wit and scandal of Austen’s novel but switch Regency ballrooms for neon lights to present this 19th-century romance as you’ve never seen it before.
You’re playing Captain Wentworth in Persuasion, what can you tell us about this production?
It’s a really exciting fresh take on Jane Austen’s famous love story. To play Wentworth in a show including Frank Ocean and Dua Lipa is incredibly exciting.
How did you get involved, and why were you keen to play this role?
I’d heard of the show when it was first put on at the Manchester Royal Exchange, so when I had a chance to audition for it I was really keen. Also I’m named after Frederick Wentworth so there’s some extra pressure from my mum!
How does it feel to be performing at the Rose Theatre?
It’s great to be back at the Rose. The team there are wonderful and it’s a lovely stage to play. On a personal level it was one of the last places I performed before the pandemic started, so it’s lovely to be back again.
Tell us more about how Jane Austen’s classic has been reimagined, we hear it’s got a great soundtrack?
The play has an amazing soundtrack. It makes rehearsing really fun! While the set and costume also help us bring it to the modern day, the core of Jane Austen’s story is still central to the play.
What impressed you the most about the way Jeff James and James Yeatman have adapted the story?
Jeff James has talked about how current a lot of the interpersonal issues in the book still feel and the music and staging used helps resonate that even more.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to come and see Persuasion?
When was the last time you saw a foam party on stage?
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