Writer: Jane Austen
Adaptor and Director: Isobel McArthur
The original book by Jane Austen is such an iconic novel and an accepted part of the literary canon that any adaptation of it has to stand out in some way in order to be successful. There have been many screen versions already and many people will recall Colin Firth as Mr Darcy emerging from the lake at Pemberley in thatscene – a scene that caused such a stir at the time and which wasn’t in the original novel. This production is a completely new treatment of the source material that is a resounding success and works on many different levels. McArthur has to be congratulated for her skill and creative imagination in adapting such a well-known work for modern audiences in such a way that should satisfy both Austen aficianados and newcomers alike.
If you intend to see this show with any pre-conceived notions of what to expect based on existing versions then you will be blown away by an extremely talented and versatile group of five actresses playing all the characters, the inclusion of appropriate popular music in the mode ofMamma Miaand countless other similar shows, the liberal use of anachronisms and the “f” word (but not intrusively so), the laugh out loud comic moments – of which there are many, the spot on comic timing and visual gags (who would have thought that there wassomuch hilarity in Austen?), the razor sharp costume changes, the sheer busyness and hard work of the company, the convincing portrayal of different characters and genders so that you almost believe that the company is twice its size, the running gag of the character of Mr. Bennett (no spoilers here). All this makes for a compelling experience in the theatre that is testament to the creative process of all concerned and demonstrates that artists are finding new ways all the time to interpret the classic works of literature.
The five performers all deserve to be individually named for their outstanding work: Emma Rose Creaner, Eleanor Kane, Rhianna McGreevy, Naomi Preston Low and Christine Steel. Before the show starts proper they all mingle with the audience in their guise as house servants and establish an immediate rapport that is infectious. The main premise is that the story is told through the eyes of the servants and this idea of McArthur’s is explained in her programme notes: “It was clear to me that a story from a historical period so defined by divisions of class and status needed to be told by servants.” All five work beautifully together, seamlessly switching roles and genders, perhaps most noteworthily by McGreevy as Mrs Bennett and Mr Darcy. There were times when I thought I was watching Alison Steadman as the girls’ mother and she is equally convincing in the key role of Darcy. The set and costumes are colourful and effective, with the main variety provided by a grand staircase that dominates the stage.
McArthur has stated that she believes herPride and Prejudiceis for everyone and I think she has succeeded admirably in her aim. It is extremely entertainingly and skilfully told whilst at the same time remaining very faithful to the original and should encourage all those who haven’t already done so to read what countless generations have been raving about since it was first published in 1813.
Runs until 18 January 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Outstanding
