Pride and Prejudice (Sort of), By Isobel McArthur after Jane AustenTheatre Royal Plymouth - 27th January 2025, until 01 February 2025,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: Indigo Cleverly.

Running time:

2 hours 15 minutes (including a 15 minute interval).

“A clever twist on Jane Austen’s classic novel.”

Isobel Mcarthur’s female-driven play ‘Pride and Prejudice* (sort of)’ is back on another UK tour, proving why it won the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

A clever twist on Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice* (sort of) tells the age-old love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy from the point of view of 5 servants working at Longbourn House who perform their own theatrical version of the story, including classic karaoke songs, lightning-fast costume changes and a playful, witty tone.

Upon entering the auditorium, we are greeted with an evident regency set design, by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, featuring a grand staircase and piano, launching you into 19th century Regency England. As the audience gets seated, the servants mingle on stage, dusting and chatting before starting the show giving a voice to the servants who get overshadowed and forgotten about, never getting their happy ending.

All the design elements in the production are very strong and aid the storytelling and interactions. Jabares-Pita’s costume design reflects the time period and respective characteristics whilst also being essential in establishing the different characters played by the same performer. Jane’s soft pastel neat dress contrasts Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s exuberant, dramatic deep pink dress and bonnet. Colin Grenfell’s lighting design adapts to the changes in mood and atmosphere, switching from a chaotic storm to the interior of the Bingleys’ extravagant manor.

Five talented performers put on a fantastic show and are experts in comedic timing and character delivery. Emma Rose Creaner is hilarious to watch, even a slight glance leaves the audience in fits of giggles. Creaner’s Mr Bingley is joyously excited and passionate whereas Charlotte Lucas is reserved and submissive. Rhianna McGreevy captures Mr Darcy in all his pride, revealing his softness hidden underneath the hard exterior and Mrs Bennetts’ frantic, irrational character. Naomi Preston Low’s Elizabeth Bennet is lovingly charismatic and self-assured, bringing the beloved novel’s protagonist to life. Christine Steel portrays juxtaposing characters - Jane, the kind, patient eldest Bennet sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the pompous condescending aristocrat and George Wickham, the seemingly charming soldier who is later revealed as selfish and vain. Eleanor Kane’s comedic skills are showcased through her portrayal of the extravagant forgotten sister Mary Bennet, the youngest, self-willed Lydia Bennet but particularly Mr Collins - the awkward cousin of the Bennet family.

Writer and director Isobel McArthur has perfectly captured Austen’s famous novel and what makes it so loveable whilst adding modern components, such as karaoke machines, innuendos and pop culture references to create a unique production with a perfect balance between storytelling and comedy.

Whether you’re a Jane Austen lover (Janeite) or not, you will surely love this brilliant production, filled with laughter and unlike anything you’ll have seen before but something you’ll remember.

Cast

Tillie / Charlotte Lucas / Charles Bingley / Miss Bingley - Emma Rose Creaner

Anne / Mary Bennet / Lydia Bennet / Mr Gardiner - Eleanor Kane

Flo / Mrs Bennet / Fitzwilliam Darcy - Rhianna McGreevy

Clara / Jane Bennet / Lady Catherine de Bourgh / George Wickham - Christine Steel

Effie / Elizabeth Bennet - Naomi Preston Low

Creatives

Writer and Director - Isobel McArthur

Set and Costume Designer - Ana Inés Jabares-Pita

Lighting Designer - Colin Grenfell

Choreographer - Emily Jane Boyle

Sound Designer - Michael John McArthury and Dylan Saberton for Autograph