Review of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) at Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton

It is a truth universally acknowledged... No Stop! That is too obvious an opening line to a review of any Pride & Prejudice. Let us begin anew...

Of all the classic regency novels from the 19th century, perhaps, one of the most famous is that of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. The novel of manners telling the story of the Elizabeth Bennet her development and her family is maybe more famous now for the many adaptations the novel itself has had, including a certain wet-shirted Colin Firth edition from the nineties. Due to this, it is ripe for many a reworking and with a guaranteed audience waiting for it. Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is one of the more bold of those adaptations. However, for all its boldness, does this new version work, or in truth, is it one step too far?

The answer is a clear yes, as this dynamic and brilliant reworking by writer and director Isobel McArthur has proven since first taking to the stage back in 2018 and now into this second UK tour, reaching Royal & Derngate this week.

McArthur and the very, very talented group of five all-female cast tell the story of Pride & Prejudice extremely well, but very, very differently. Here we have anachronistic music, outrageous swearing and gyrating of bodies in rhythmic dancing over two hours of top-notch comedy and performance.

The cast plays all of the characters familiar to Pride & Prejudice fans with each taking a Bennet member each (or two) and then switching effortlessly with a quick costume change and a change to the face. At no point do we become confused as to who we are watching. Also for those unfamiliar with Pride & Prejudice, you have nothing to fear from coming to see this show, as while the style is wacky in the extreme, this tells the story extremely well.

Rhianna McGreevy is superb in the role of the increasingly desperate decline of Mrs Bennet and later her D’Arcy is a perfect aloof self-important individual, but slowly chipped away by the charms of Elizabeth Bennet. As Elizabeth, Naomi Preston Low rightfully dominates many a scene and her strength and charm understandably chips away as the stern D’Arcy.

Emma Rose Creaner is a powerhouse upon the stage in her multitude of roles but shines the most in the duel playing of Charles and Caroline Bingley and shows lovely depth as the lovelorn Charlotte Lucas. However, whenever on stage, it is likely that she is doing something hilarious in the background as well.

Susie Barrett is fabulous as the wonderful Lydia Bennet, happy to do what she pleases, as long as it isn't sing. Barrett is also brilliant as the endlessly dull Mr Collins, all staid and proper and awkward in the extreme. Finally completing a superb cast is Christine Steel as sweet, sweet Jane Bennet. However, her starring moments come as the evil Mr Wickham and the stupendously brilliant Lady Catherine de Bourgh (her name also provides one of the more clever jokes as well, but you wait and see).

There is some superb use of familiar music songs, out of keeping with the story or time, you would think. However, songs like I Think I Love You, You’re So Vain, and yes, The Lady in Red seemingly all of a sudden fit perfectly into the show, and are wonderfully performed by the cast. Ana Inés Jabares-Pita's set is superb and delights in a construction with a strong link to books and the bold staircase provides the perfect backdrop to each and every house we visit during the story.

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is a delight from start to finish, and while it feels slightly long for a show in this style, the energy and humour don't flag at any point and the audience leaves delighted and maybe surprisingly more educated in the works of Jane Austen than they thought they might have been.

Crazy and funny, but always a respectful spin on the classic novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Monday 30th October 2024 at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton.

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is on stage at Royal & Derngate until Saturday 5th October 2024 before continuing its tour: https://prideandprejudicesortof.com/

For further details about the Royal & Derngate and to book tickets see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Photos: Mihaela Bodlovic

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