Watch the Trailer
Before you hear what our audiences had to say, take a peek inside the world of Jane Austen—onstage at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
Then… hear it from the audience:
Live theatre. Real reactions.
We talked to real audience members right outside the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia—just moments after they experienced Sense & Sensibility live.
In shared light, every laugh, gasp, and moment of recognition ripples through the room. These aren’t scripted reviews. They’re genuine reactions from people who felt the story unfold around them.
Now playing at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia.
Reserve Your Seats for Sense & Sensibility
“I loved it—it was so entertaining.”
Audience members are falling for Sense & Sensibility at the Blackfriars Playhouse—and they’re telling us so the moment the lights come up.
“I loved it—it was so entertaining. It made me appreciate Jane Austen more. And as a fellow thespian, I would love to perform on that stage.”
“I thought it was amazing. The actors did a phenomenal job. I loved everything about it.”
“The show was great. The actors were great. They really embodied the characters magnificently.”
“Actually remembering it all the way back from high school…”
Whether this is your first Austen experience or a long-forgotten favorite, this production makes it fresh, immediate, and relatable.
“Actually, it was my first time seeing the play and actually remembering it all the way back from high school, so it was actually really cool. Really, like, relatable.”
“I loved it. First time ever seeing it in a play format.”
“My favorite part is when …”
At ASC, shared light makes every audience member part of the performance.
“My favorite part is when I was interacted with in the first act by one of the actors.”
“The storm.”
“The diversity of the cast, especially. And the music.”
“My mouth dropped.”
Even fans who know the story are finding themselves surprised—and moved.
“The minute I realized that Edward was coming back in the picture and that he’s been engaged for four years, I literally—my mouth dropped. It was the best moment in the play.”
“You should make an attempt to get here.”
This show isn’t just a performance—it’s a memory shared with family, friends, and fellow audience members.
“Everyone who’s interested in literature or art or theatre, I think, would really enjoy it.”
“Anyone who likes Jane Austen, anyone who has read Sense and Sensibility, and anyone who likes good theatre.”
“The atmosphere and the beauty of the Blackfriars Playhouse cannot be missed … you should make an attempt to get here.”
“I’m so glad that we made this day happen for my mother-in-law and for our whole family. It’s been a beautiful day. It was perfect.”
“It’s a great venue with a great cast with a great play. If you love Jane Austen—or even if you don’t know Jane Austen—you should definitely come see.”
Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday with Live Theatre
As the world marks Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, there’s no better way to celebrate her legacy than seeing her work brought vividly to life onstage. Experience her wit, heart, and storytelling brilliance in a theatre where every performance feels personal.
Limited run. Reserve early for the best seats.
Reserve Your Seats for Sense & Sensibility
Plan Your Visit to Staunton, Virginia
The Blackfriars Playhouse is the home of the American Shakespeare Center, located in the heart of downtown Staunton, Virginia, just minutes from I-81 and a short drive from Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and the Shenandoah National Park.
Blackfriars Playhouse
10 South Market Street
Staunton, VA 24401
- Free parking nearby
- Walkable to local restaurants, shops, and hotels
- Voted one of the best small towns in America by Smithsonian magazine
Make it a day trip—or a full weekend getaway. Theatre like this doesn’t happen everywhere.