Persuasion and the unpersuaded

Also Happy 89th Birthday to Handsome Partner. Still in mind, ten years after you peacefully left us.

Last night was Persuasion time. I had planned on watching one of the library DVDs, but on the way got sidetracked.

Watched part of a 70s BBC miniseries 

As you see, sets full of more or less accurate furniture, very well organized and nice to see. Costumes lovingly made to fit by someone who knew how and had the fabrics and budget for the job. 

A far cry from the low budget costumes of the more recent productions such as the Romola Garai Emma, poorly made, ill fitting, just a sad show, pulling down great acting.

Moving along, the hairstyles here were created by someone who seems to think Austen was writing about the later 19th  century rather than the early 1800s of the Regency period. I guess they had a good time getting carried away, so there's that. The simpler Regency styles wouldn't have been as much fun. 

Alas, the production itself was pretty much local repertory theatre, sloooow,  inexpert, actors suddenly starting to act on command at each scene change, not being already in persona. Actors clearly feeling they were in costume rather than the good actor who's just wearing clothes. It was worth checking out, though, just to see what Austen inspired in different producers and actors. 

And I did love the settings. And the horses. Wonderful carriages. I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying it.

Then I stumbled onto a truly inspired production, a Saturday night theatre BBC radio version, just cracking along, very intelligently acted, just as full of life as I think it oughta be. 

Saturday Night theatre was a regular BBC offering before TV was really a thing, and some great actors and playwrights can be spotted there, some before they got famous.

When I started this summer Austenfest, I though there might be enough productions for a few nights' viewing fun. Now I realize that it was a bit naive, like going to the library and thinking maybe there will be a couple of books in here.  Spoiled for choice, moi.

Summer got here. Woke at 2.30 am, to switch on a fan. Checked the weather. 90% humidity, temp high 70s. That's as cool as it got, after daytime heat index in the 90s f.. No wonder I get tired in this weather. Just breathing takes work. But all's well. I have air conditioning.