Rosalie Minnitt's character-comedy show 'Clementine' uniquely captures the absurdities of our obsession with Jane Austen and modern romance. Debuting in 2022, the character emerged amid lockdown, reflecting Minnitt's own struggles with direction and confidence. While not the first to explore Austen-themed humor, 'Clementine' stands out by blending Regency elements with current cultural references, like Reddit and modern femininity. The act began as an impulse from Minnitt, who wanted to create a comedic historical figure that shows the limitations of her era's patriarchy, ultimately leading to a successful UK tour ahead.
Every now and then a comedy concept comes along that seems so obvious, you can't believe no one has done it before. How can Rosalie Minnitt's Clementine be the first character-comedy show to really mine the absurdities of our love of all things Jane Austen, all things frilly-bonneted and Bridgerton?
I was working in a bar, then in a summer camp, then for a charity. Then I lost my job and was on furlough. I didn't know what I was doing with my life.
Initially, it was just an impulse, half an idea with no outlet. I've always loved history, she says, and at the time there was this idea of 'girlboss' history.
Minnitt was struck by the fascination with all things Austen, more so perhaps than other historical figures and notions we attach the term 'girlboss' to.
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