Vanity Fair 

Presented by Southsea Shakespeare Actors.  An Adaptation by Declan Donnellan

Dive into the heart of 19th-century society withVanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic tale of ambition, love, and deception, masterfully adapted for the stage by Declan Donnellan. This fresh and vivid production breathes new life into Thackeray’s enduring satire, with its unforgettable characters and razor-sharp commentary.

We follow Becky Sharp, the ambitious and resourceful anti-heroine, as she navigates the glittering highs and crushing lows of English society. Her wit, charm, and determination to rise above her humble beginnings make her one of literature’s most compelling figures. Alongside her, the lives of her friends, foes, and lovers intersect in a whirlwind of scandal, romance, and betrayal.

Donnellan’s adaptation captures the humour, sadness, jealousies and spite at the heart of Thackeray’s masterpiece. The staging will be fast and fluid to transport you from, London to, Brighton, Brussels, ballrooms and battlefields. You will see fortunes won and lost, all mixed in with the eternal struggle between morality and self-interest.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel or experiencing Vanity Fair for the first time, this adaptation tells the story in an exciting and original way making the themes and its comments on human nature as relevant today as when it was first written.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this marvellous play and join us for an evening of drama, laughter, and unforgettable storytelling.