It has been announced that Sasha Frost and Fred Fergus will star as Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth respectively in Jeff James and James Yeatman’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, previewing at the Rose Theatre from 26 February and running until 19 March 2022. 

The production will then run at Alexandra Palace from 7-30 April 2022, followed by Oxford Playhouse from 4-14 May 2022. 

Sasha Frost and Fred Fergus are joined in the cast by Matilda Bailes as Elizabeth/Louisa, Grace Cookey-Gam as Lady Russell/Mrs Croft, Helen Cripps as Mary, Adam Deary as Edmund Hayter/ Captain Benwick/Mr Elliot, Emilio Doorgasingh as Sir Walter/Admiral Croft, Caroline Moroney as Mrs Clay/Henrietta and Dorian Simpson as Charles.  

Featuring a soundtrack of Frank Ocean, Dua Lipa and Cardi B, Jane Austen’s classic romantic comedy is riotously reimagined for the twenty-first century. 

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. 

When Frederick Wentworth proposed to Anne Elliot eight years ago, he was undistinguished with no prospects, only able to offer his love and ambition. Persuaded out of accepting his proposal by her family, Anne has never quite got over her first love. 

But now Wentworth is back. Rich, successful, single and handsome, the now decorated naval Captain has become a serious catch. When circumstances bring the two face to face again, Anne's forced to confront her past and face up to her choices. 

Persuasion is directed by Jeff James, with design by Alex Lowde, lighting by Lucy Carter, music and sound by Ben & Max Ringham, and movement by Morgann Runacre-Temple.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.