Writer and Director: Isobel McArthur
Those of you who are expecting to meet Mr Darcy in Newcastle this week in the memorable wet shirt scene, as portrayed by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, are going to be disappointed. You won’t however be disappointed with the delightful offering of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) at the Theatre Royal.
This show, based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, is a musical version. The writer and director is Isobel McArthur. The versatile cast of five females double up to play all of the characters.
This take on the iconic novel is set in the 1800’s. For those who don’t know the story it portrays the story of the Bennet sisters who are tasked with trying to find suitable husbands. We follow their journey as they search for love. This necessity is brought about as their father’s estate can only be passed on through male heirs and as Mr Bennet only has daughters the family will be impoverished. If at least one daughter marries well to support the others upon his death all will be well. This motivation drives the storyline.
This production closely follows the story but with a modern interpretation and a sprinkling of karaoke songs. The performance begins with the household’s maids preparing the stage. They then, with a simple, slick costume change, transform into Mrs Bennet and her daughters.
The set design is simple and adapts easily to numerous settings. It is designed by Ana Ines Jabares-Pita who is also the costume designer. The costumes are adapted for each character as the show progresses and are all easily identifiable, due much to the talent of the designer. The clever costume changes and slick scene changes add another dimension to a cleverly interpreted script. The show is lively, colourful and comically witty which is much appreciated by the raucous laughter by the audience.
As the programme only lists the actors’ names and omits which character each are playing, this reviewer is therefore only able to give credit by character names. The stand out actor this evening was undoubtedly playing the dual role of Mrs Bennet and Mr Darcy. Her ability to make her presence felt in both roles was outstanding. She was ably supported by the other four actors with their charm and comic timing.
Jos Houben has been credited in the programme as comedy supervisor. How fortuitous was the director, McArthur, to have such a talent working alongside. The comedic moments, and there were many, added to the joy of this production.
The music element in the show is karaoke style. The solo singing was at times a little flat but the harmonies with the rest of the cast were delightful. Karaoke singing is, in this reviewer’s opinion, rarely in tune so perhaps this was how it was meant to be.
The use of the off stage facing empty chair to portray Mr Bennet was a stroke of genius. It created many comedic moments with the interactions between him and Mrs Bennet. Perhaps a slight twitch of the newspaper may have created an illusion that there was a ‘body’ in the chair.
If you don’t know the story you can still enjoy the charm and wit of this lively, colourful production with an all female cast of ‘whirling dervishes’, their energy bouncing from one character to the next. They are in and out of costumes with such aplomb that it leaves you breathless. A mention however must be made of the unexpected colourful language scattered throughout. This, in the reviewer’s opinion, was unnecessary as the writing and comedic timings were sufficient to gain laughter from an appreciative audience.
Did we miss Mr Darcy and the memorable wet shirt scene? This reviewer doesn’t think so as this play is about the struggles of females in the 1800’s and their needs. As McArthur stated in the programme, she wanted to ‘celebrate romance for it’s own sake’ and hopes that you’ll ‘fall head over heels with this gorgeous story’. This reviewer thinks that her wishes have certainly been fulfilled if the laughter and applause shown by tonight’s appreciative audience is anything to go by.
Runs until 28th September 2024.
The Reviews Hub Score
Witty, fun, frolic
