You don’t have to be a member of the Jane Austin Appreciation Society to enjoy the new production of Pride and Prejudice at Theatre by the Lake, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.
This witty, fun and entertaining retelling of the classic novel of romance and social conformity of the 1800s is a joy to experience.
The audience, of what I assumed were Austin fanatics, threw themselves wholeheartedly into the experience, with audible gasps and cheers at the interpretation of the Colin Firth water scene from the 1995 film version. This has been such a fun play to experience. There is a touch of Bridgerton with music from Human League, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Elbow, and many more popular songs recorded in the style of the 1800s (strings and harpsichord). It was fun to identify the tunes, and they were so well placed within the context of the production.
Adapted from the Jane Austin novel by Kate Hamill, this is another successful Theatre by the Lake, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre co-production, and this time in association with Theatr Clwyd. With double entendres, I’m sure weren’t in the original text, but add a lovely layer of additional modern wit to this production.
Director Lotte Wakeham has done an amazing job of bringing this story to life in the 21st century. The pace moves quickly, and being set in the round, you feel you’re in the Bennet’s drawing room.
This production has been excellently cast, and there are some standout moments. When Ben Fensome enters for the first time as Mr William Collins. It is hard to believe the creepy clergyman is played by the same actor who is the charming, womanising Mr Wickham. The Mr Collins role is played to perfection and had people howling with laughter in the audience.
Jessica Ellis shows her wide range of skills and talents with her strong and comedic performances as Lydia Bennet and Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Rosa Hesmondhalgh as Elizabeth Bennet – Lizzy – is the glue that holds together this tale of love, marriage and society’s demands. Her determination to remain unmarried shines strongly in her performance. She is able to create the Austin character yet in a modern, relatable way. And James Sheldon as her Mr Darcy (spoiler alert for those who have somehow avoided this story), who captures her heart in the end, gives a strong, moody and excellent performance. He would also make an amazing Heathcliffe!
Lizzy’s parents, Mr and Mrs Bennet, create a hilarious double act in the hands of the giant of a man, Dyfrig Morris and the petite Joanne Holden. The calm father, trying to keep out of the matchmaking and the hyperactive, Machiavellian and highly strung mother, determined to do anything to marry off her girls, is a strong part of this production.
Eve Pereira as Mary Bennet, the overlooked, studious Bennet sister gives an excellent performance, especially with her harpsicord performances! Another amazing portrayal of an Austin character that is brilliant and entertaining.
This is the perfect family theatre trip – especially if anyone is studying Pride and Prejudice as their set text for English Literature. This production will refresh and bring joy to your study of Jane Austin.
This is not a period drama; this is a period of pure joy in theatre. Well worth a visit to Theatre by the Lake.
- Pride and Prejudice runs at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday, 6 September. `
- For more information and tickets, visit www.theatrebythelake.com
